B/R Exclusive: Frank Lampard Backs Antonio Conte to Revive Chelsea Fortunes

Frank Lampard is deep in the MLS season, with the former England international eyeing glory with his new club New York City FC.

Since shaking off injury problems, Lampard has shown exactly why MLS lured him away from the Premier League. 

The 38-year-old midfielder has not looked back since returning to the side on June 18, with nine goals in 10 outings propelling his team to the top of the Eastern Conference.

Lampard's focus is on NYCFC, but the Premier League is back underway in England, and the midfielder has an eye trained on his former club.

In a 13-year spell at Chelsea, Lampard claimed three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and, on a heady night at the Allianz Arena in May 2012, he netted during the penalty shootout to help the Blues beat Bayern Munich on home soil to claim Europe's biggest prize, the Champions League.

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

His former club are in a period of flux after a shocking 2015-16 campaign but, in Antonio Conte, Lampard is convinced Chelsea have the right man at the helm to revive their fortunes.

"The new manager, Conte, I really like from afar," Lampard told Bleacher Report. "I like his style. I like his demeanour on the line. I love the way he gets his team set and pressing hard. I think he’s a perfect fit for Chelsea considering what happened last year."

The width of the Atlantic may separate Lampard from Stamford Bridge, but the midfielder—who had a strong bond with Blues skipper John Terry—remains in close contact with members of the squad.

“I’ve paid a lot of attention," Lampard said. "I follow the club closely. I still speak to a lot of players, particularly the English players that I’ve got quite a few good friendships with. Everything I’ve heard out of the camp has been positive in preseason."

Chelsea opened their Premier League season with a hard-fought win over another of his old clubs, West Ham.

The likes of Manchester City and United, managed by Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho, respectively, have invested heavily. A similar comment applies to Liverpool, while Arsenal and Tottenham also look strong.

Frank Augstein/Associated Press

It is shaping up to be a tight battle for the Premier League crown, but Lampard feels Chelsea are well placed to regain the title they surrendered so meekly last term.

"I’ve got a quite positive feeling for this year," the midfielder continued. "I watched their first game this year and I thought they played very well and deserved to win the game. I think they’re going to be back up challenging where Chelsea should be." 

New York City FC are in the hunt for honours, and Lampard will be at the forefront of that charge, but once the season ends, it's likely that his attention will turn to events in west London.

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90.

All quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.