Lampard challenges Chelsea players to ‘prove people wrong’ against Real Madrid

Chelsea are enduring a difficult moment, suffering from lack of form and low confidence. The Blues are 11th in the Premier League, having won just four of their last 20 Premier League games.

As things stand, they will have to defeat Real Madrid over two legs and then go on to win the Champions League to play in the competition next season. 

Lampard was appointed on an interim basis last week after Graham Potter was relieved of his duties and presided over a 1-0 reverse to Wolves in his first game back. 

Not the ideal result to take into a game as big as this but Lampard believes his team can cause an upset. 

Speaking before the game, Lampard said:

“There is no better carrot in football than trying to prove people wrong, being the underdog and have a good result.

“It’s one of the best things I’ve been part of. I think that is a nice challenge for us. I’m not worried about that. In terms of the pressure I am not worried about that. 

"Football at this level is pressure. If you can’t handle the pressure you are not a big club, you are not a big player or a participant in it.

“We have to understand the strengths of the Real Madrid team, their qualities in possession and their individual talent. We have to be very disciplined in our game off the ball, understand the threats."

Thiago Silva and Mason Mount are also returning to the squad following injuries, according to Lampard. 

The presence of Silva could provide the almness and experience required to deal with Real Madrid's attacks and after being rested for Saturday's 1-0 loss to Wolves, N'Golo Kante is also available for selection.