Lampard Wants ‘Any Big Team’ In Champions League Knockout Stage
Chelsea head coach Frank Lampard has revealed that his young side are ready to face any opponent in the knockout stage of the Champions League after securing qualification to the next round.
The Blues saw off a crucial encounter against Ligue 1 side Lille on Tuesday thanks to first half goals from Tammy Abraham and Cesar Azpilicueta to finish second in Group H behind Valencia, who surprisingly won against Ajax at Amsterdam.
Lampard has insisted that qualifying to the next round is what matters and Chelsea should be happy for achieving that goal.
Chelsea may face the likes of Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain or Juventus but the English coach said he does not mind facing one of the big boys in Europe.
"I don't mind the idea of taking on a big team, that is what the Champions League is all about."” the 41-year-old told BT Sports.
“We should be happy we are through and whoever comes our way we will give it our all against them.”
“That is the beauty of the Champions League. It is such a high level.”
“The things our young players learn from these big games are going to be invaluable in their careers.”
"For me, though, getting through the group stages is a huge thing, not just for myself and the players, but for the club.”
“This is a big club and it is great to be able to meet those expectations that we have created here."
The transfer embargo placed on Chelsea by FIFA has been halved by CAS following an Appeal by the West Londoners.
This means Chelsea can buy players in the winter transfer window and Lampard is hoping to strengthen the team and fill the void left by Eden Hazard’s summer departure to Real Madrid.
"The transfer window will be a bit fluid and there will be discussions about where we can strengthen,” the former Derby County coach added.
"We lost a lot of goals and creativity with Eden [Hazard]. We need more competition in those creative areas.
