Frank Lampard believes Tuesday s Champions League clash with Lille will be a defining moment for Chelsea s youngsters.
Chelsea can book a place in the last 16 of the competition with victory at Stamford Bridge, while a draw will be enough if Valencia lose to Ajax in the other Group H fixture.
The Blues only two European wins this term have come on their travels, but Lampard hopes the make-or-break nature of the Lille match can bring the best out of his players.
Asked if games like Tuesday s can shape the younger members of his squad, Lampard told reporters: Yeah, they are crucial for the players. I was fortunate to have big moments like this for the club.
I like that this is a knockout, we are going to be at our best. It is a big game, almost like a knockout game.
Lampard says nights like tomorrow are crucial for defining players. He says as a player they were the sort of games that stood out and it is a chance for today s young Chelsea players to make their mark.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC)
We have wanted more in our home games. When you score early in the game it changes the face of the game. When you play well but don t score you add the pressure yourselves.
Chelsea lost 3-1 to lowly Everton in the Premier League on Saturday and have won just one of their past five matches in all competitions.
However, Lampard is not concerned by his side s form and is glad to have a chance to make an instant response against Lille.
It was always going to come, he said at Monday s pre-match news conference. The way we are, the nature of the Premier League. It was never going to be plain sailing. This is a test.
Kepa |
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague)
It s a tight turnaround, but that is the nature of the season. There is work you can do and working out there. I am pleased we re playing.
Chelsea have been boosted by the return of Antonio Rudiger to their squad for Tuesday s match, though Fikayo Tomori and Olivier Giroud will not be involved.
Rudiger has featured only once this term in the 5-2 league win over Wolves on September 14 and Lampard acknowledged his side have missed the German centre-back.
He is in the squad. It is good to have him back, Lampard added. We have given him a lot of work. He has come through that and he looks fit and ready to go.
I know he is hungry. He is a good defender, you miss those individuals. And then see what he can bring for us.
Enjoying every step forward on the training pitch
— Antonio Rüdiger (@ToniRuediger)
