Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said he was sad to see Chelsea’s slump this season, ahead of their Champions League quarter-final clash on Wednesday.
The Italian coach led the Blues between 2009-2011, winning a Premier League and FA Cup double in 2010.
“I am sad, yes,” Ancelotti told a news conference on Tuesday before the first leg clash at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“I’m a supporter of Chelsea, of course, because I spent two really nice years there.”
Ancelotti, who has a year left to run on his contract with Madrid, said he did not see himself returning to Stamford Bridge for a second stint in charge.
“Be back? No, I hope that Lampard is able to do a fantastic job with them,” added Ancelotti.
The Real Madrid coach did not think his extra years of experience compared to Lampard, whom he managed at Chelsea, would make the difference in the tie.
“He has 20 years less experience, but that will not change what will happen in the game,” continued Ancelotti.
“He was a fantastic player, extraordinary, he knows very well what can happen in these games but experience, in these matches, I don’t think counts for much.
“He arrived at the club a week ago, with a lot of players that he already knew, I think he’ll do well in the time that he’s at Chelsea.”
Madrid, who won the Champions League last season, are looking to lift the trophy for the sixth time in 10 seasons.
Ancelotti said midfielder Fede Valverde was training well, despite the storm brewing around him in recent days.
Spanish reports say he punched Villarreal midfielder Alex Baena after their La Liga clash on Saturday.
Baena said he had reported a Real Madrid player to police after being attacked following his team’s 3-2 win over the Spanish and European champions.
“He was motivated today, like the rest of them, he trained well, I know him very well,” said Ancelotti.
“He has a special human quality, extraordinary, and about what happened, I don’t want to speak about it, but I’m sure tomorrow he’ll give everything, as always.”
