A Chelsea team containing Frank Lampard overcame plenty of sizeable obstacles en route to our maiden Champions League triumph in 2012, and the man who is now our caretaker manager has considered where progression past Real Madrid would place in the pantheon of great European nights.
Lampard was no stranger to those during his 13 years as a Blue. The first two ended in humiliating fashion in the UEFA Cup, but 2003/04 brought a huge win away to Lazio and then an epic 2-1 success at Highbury courtesy of Wayne Bridge’s late winner. It was the first truly special Chelsea comeback in the competition, the like of which we require tomorrow.
Asked at his press conference today if a dramatic victory against the Champions League holders would eclipse even Munich and the like, Lampard’s response was clear.
‘I don’t think anything tomorrow would be better than winning the Champions League,’ he said.
‘We had many moments on that run, difficulties against Barcelona, Napoli, the final itself. It was a huge run.
‘But for us, considering the result now, the team we’re up against, the moment we’re in, we have to fight really hard to make it happen, so of course that would be special.’
Following reports this morning the new ownership had visited the dressing room after the weekend defeat to Brighton and spoken to the players, Lampard was asked if it is something he is comfortable with.
‘There may be some criticism of our old owner, not coming to games and not being around, although that wasn’t always true, but when an owner is very invested in their team and wanting to help and improve, it’s their prerogative to have the input they want.
‘I remember as a player the moments of owners first coming into dressing rooms. It happened here at Chelsea, and I was really happy. You could feel them, high five them, touch them, listen to them, so it’s not a bad thing with the identity of the club and where you want to get to. I have no problem with it.
‘I had my things to say after the game. If an owner comes in and wants to be positive and speak to the players, it’s absolutely his part to do that. It shows passion, and that’s the first thing I like.
‘Passion goes both ways,’ added Lampard.
‘The fans show passion, and the ownership wouldn’t expect anything else. We all have a passion for wanting this club to do well. We have been fortunate to be successful for the last 20 years, which means you want more of it.
‘Passionate owners want to make a difference to the club and we are in the early stages of a process on those terms. People always question everything at the beginning of the process.
‘For us working we have to get our heads down and work in front of us. Passion is normal. We can all be passionate together and get to where we want to be.’