Manchester City under pressure to make flying start, says Frank Lampard

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has warned Manchester City they could buckle under the weight of expectation if they do not hit the ground running this season. City have spent around £80million on Yaya Toure, Jerome Boateng, David Silva and Aleksanar Kolarov as they attempt to buy their way into the title race. Roberto Mancini steered his side to fifth in the table last term and will be under pressure to improve after splashing the cash.  Take note: Blues star Lampard (left) has fired a warning towards EastlandsFormer Blues boss boss Claudio Ranieri was sacked in 2004 despite finishing second in the league after spending more than £100m the previous summer.And Lampard said: 'Obviously they have got the money and they are stronger than ever. But they will have to try and find the mix and make it work very quickly. 'I think Chelsea did it well. It probably took us about a season or a season-and-a-half to get to where we wanted to be. 'You feel that they are going to be a force eventually because of the money behind them - that is just the way it seems to be. 'But how quickly they can do it and how successful they can be remains to be seen.'   Lampard is happy to return his focus to Chelsea after a disappointing World Cup campaign and admits England's friendly with Hungary next week is 'not ideal'. The Wembley clash on Wednesday comes in the week the Blues begin their Premier League title defence and the scheduling has been criticised by managers including Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp. Reinforcements: Toure (right) has been brought in to the City midfield'I have got to be honest, the disappointing summer is not affecting the Chelsea side,' said Lampard. 'Of course, we are disappointed with England but it is almost a breath of fresh air to come back to Chelsea. 'We won the double last year and that is a nice feeling. There is no niggling mental effect from the World Cup at all. 'When the England games come then we will approach that but in terms of Chelsea, I think it is exciting to be back.' Lampard acknowledged England's friendly with Hungary is important as Fabio Capello's side begin preparations for the 2012 European Championships qualification campaign, but said the timing was not convenient for clubs. 'It's obviously not an ideal situation,' he added. 'I've only been back in pre-season training for a week and a half and a lot of clubs are having the same problems with their World Cup players. 'But England also need to prepare for the European Championship qualifying games.' Manchester City striker Adebayor admits: I'd rather play for JuventusSign up to our FREE Fantasy Football game - with £40,000 in prize money up for grabsRamires to join Chelsea in £18m deal after Benfica allow Brazilian to leaveGiggs dismisses Liverpool and City, saying Chelsea are United's only threatCHELSEA FC

Source: Daily_Mail