Joe Cole calls for Chelsea to sell 10 players this summer

'It helped Antonio Conte’s team'

The Blues exited the Champions League at the quarter finals stage following a 4-0 defeat on aggregate against reigning champions, Real Madrid on Tuesday night.

It now means that qualification for the Champions League - and any other European competitions - is all but impossible with Chelsea sat 11th in the Premier League despite spending almost £600m on players this season.

Frank Lampard is also in charge until the end of the season after both Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter were sacked by co-owner Todd Boehly as Chelsea wait to make a long-term appointment after the end of this current campaign.

Speaking on BT Sport, Cole admitted that no European football may help their league form next season, but it will require big changes at Stamford Bridge.

"It helped Antonio Conte’s team. Chelsea finished 10th and then won the league after Conte came in," the former England international said.

"I’m not saying I think Chelsea are going to win the league next season – there’s more than enough strong teams above them – but without a doubt it will help the team.

"But it will only help if Chelsea offload at least 10 players. I think at least 10 players need to be trimmed from the squad."

Although Cole didn't specify which players, he admitted he would love to see the return of an old manager to Stamford Bridge, asking him to "come home".

He said: "I love Carlo [Ancelotti]. He was actually one I thought could be on the list to come back here.

"If you ever want a manager to soothe a club and to just rebuild it…he might fancy the challenge.

"I'm clutching [at straws] here, I'm clutching. Carlo please come home."

Despite that, Ancelotti insisted he is happy at Real Madrid as he eyes up even more Champions League success with Los Blancos.

"I have a fantastic memory of Chelsea. I am a supporter of the club. But go back? No.

"I think Lampard is the right man and he will do a great job with them.

"I am sad as I have fantastic memories and know a lot of people there. I had two fantastic years there."

Related links:

• Champions League Final could be moved for fourth year in a row
• Todd Boehly ‘singled out’ one Chelsea player in dressing room rant
• Luis Enrique left ‘disappointed’ by Chelsea decision to reappoint Frank Lampard