Rafael Benitez expects Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard to leave

Interim Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez has admitted that he expects Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole to leave the club when their contracts expire at the end of the season.

Benitez detailed a three-hour meeting which he held with Roman Abramovich on Thursday night.

He revealed that owner Abramovich is making a concerted effort to freshen things up at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues boss told The Mirror: "I think they will both leave in the summer.

"I don't have all the information, but I think that's the case at the moment. Sometimes you're in a difficult position as a manager because there's too much to decide on, so it's better to have a technical director.

"If they say this or that, I will analyse and give my idea, if I have one. We have to wait and see."

Benitez takes charge of his first match at Stamford Bridge on Sunday when Chelsea host Manchester City.