Cesar Azpilicueta has insisted there is “nothing to worry about” over Frank Lampard’s managerial inexperience and has urged Chelsea to unite under the Blues legend.

Lampard took charge of his first pre-season game, a 1-1 draw against League of Ireland club Bohemians, on Wednesday night in which Azpilicueta played the first half.

Azpilicueta captained Chelsea through the stormy 12 months of Maurizio Sarri’s reign and has also seen the club fracture under the guidance of Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho, despite continuing to win trophies.

A section of Chelsea’s fans turned on Sarri last season, having also made their displeasure with the players known after Mourinho was sacked at the end of his second spell in charge.

But Azpilicueta believes Lampard’s history at Chelsea, where he is the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, and his connection with the supporters can stop the in-fighting and provide a positive atmosphere.

“We know fans can make the difference,” said Azpilicueta. “It is true that last season for periods we didn’t give them what they expected. Our level and performances were not good enough and the reason they were not happy with us and negative. We turned it around and got the Europa League at the end.