Chelsea interim manager Frank Lampard has played down suggestions that TV star James Corden played a role in his return to Stamford Bridge.

Asked about the reports ahead of facing Real Madrid on Wednesday in the Champions League quarter-final, Lampard replied: “I saw the headline about James Corden. I’m absolutely not aware if it’s true or not. But it’s obviously a great headline to put together, casually, from the outside.

“So I think when I look at the success of Todd Boehly, the owners of Chelsea football club, I think you have to respect that success and respect the idea that they will probably make decisions based on more than a conversation with one person.

“So that’s as much as I’m going to give your two questions.”