Chelsea's Lampard Focuses On Positives Despite UCL Exit In Madrid

Frank Lampard, Chelsea's interim manager, remains optimistic despite his team's crushing Champions League quarter-final exit against Real Madrid on Tuesday.

Lampard found some comfort in Chelsea's performance, despite the 2-0 defeat in the first leg in the Bernabeu, and highlighted the missed opportunities in front of the goal.

"I think for 60 minutes the only thing missing was a goal," Lampard told reporters. "One goal or two goals changes the face of the game and at this level when you're not clinical you see what happens. The end bit of scoring is crucial and something we need to address."

Despite spending around 600 million pounds ($746 million) on new players in the past two transfer windows, Chelsea has struggled to find the back of the net, managing only one goal in their last six games.

Lampard, who now holds the unwanted record of being the first Chelsea manager to lose his first four games in charge, acknowledged the need for improvement in finishing.

Chelsea's defeat against Real Madrid means they are likely to miss out on European football next season, but Lampard remains determined to rebuild the team.

"This club is going to be back. I think the fans appreciated the performance today and we have to latch onto that and go again next year," Lampard said.

He also drew comparisons with other top clubs like Manchester United and Arsenal, who have experienced periods without Champions League football in the past.

"Manchester United have spent time out (of the Champions League), Arsenal have spent time out. It's impossible to try and predict it. We can set the building blocks now of where we want to get to," Lampard added.

Lampard's focus now shifts to the remaining league games, where he will strive to restore hope among the fans and work towards rebuilding Chelsea's success on the field. Despite the challenges, Lampard remains resolute in his determination to bring Chelsea back to where they belong.