UCL: "YOU HAVEN'T PLAYED IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE IN A LONG TIME" - LAMPARD REMINDS MANCHESTER UNITED AND ARSENAL

Frank Lampard, manager of Chelsea, appeared to be consoling himself after leading the Blues to a 4-0 aggregate defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League by reminding Manchester United and Arsenal fans that their respective clubs have failed to qualify for the league for a long time.

Chelsea were eliminated from the Champions League yesterday night after a 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge, the identical scoreline by which they were defeated in Spain last week.

They presently sit 11th in the Premier League, closer to the relegation zone than the top four; they have no chance of qualifying for any European competition next season.

Throughout the last decade, both Manchester United and Arsenal have spent multiple years out of Europe's best club competition.

Yet, they will almost probably return to the peak of European football next season, but Lampard wants Chelsea fans to recognize that none of the Premier League teams have had it easy.

When asked if he was certain Chelsea's absence from the competition will be short-lived following their defeat to Real Madrid, the former England midfielder said: "To claim that any one team has this divine right to be in the top-four and in the Champions League, it's tough."

"Manchester United have spent time out of the Champions League, Arsenal have spent time out of the Champions League. Lots of big clubs have," he said, insisting it would be pointless predicting what happens going forward