Chelsea are currently 11th in the Premier League and closer to relegation zone than the top-four; there is no hope of qualifying for any European competition for them next season.

Both Manchester United and Arsenal have spent several years out of Europe’s elite clubs’ competition over the past decade.

However, they will certainly return to the pinnacle of European football next season, but Lampard wants Chelsea’s fans to acknowledge the fact that it has not been easy for any of the teams in the Premier League.

Following their defeat to Real Madrid, the former England midfielder was asked if he was confident Chelsea’s absence from the competition would be short-lived, Lampard said: “To say that any given 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.