Chelsea have reverted to their past strategy in an attempt to salvage their season with Frank Lampard’s reappointment as manager. As they face a challenging UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid, it is Chelsea’s history that may provide hope.
Lampard’s return as manager was marked by a loss against the Wolves, adding to an already underwhelming season for the Blues. It’s challenging to argue in favour of Chelsea eliminating current titleholders Madrid, despite both teams suffering defeats on Saturday. Consequently, Chelsea must turn to their previous achievements for motivation.
Chelsea Being In A Turmoil This Season
Chelsea’s 2021 victory, led by interim captain Lampard, occurred during a season in which they finished sixth in the league. Two years ago, Chelsea’s domestic performance was similarly weak after Lampard was replaced by Thomas Tuchel mid-season.
This season, some of Chelsea‘s better performances – although not setting a high benchmark – have been in European matches against AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund. To continue their journey towards Istanbul, they will need to replicate these efforts. Caretaker manager Lampard hesitated to draw parallels to his experiences 11 years ago. Still, he emphasized that merely having talent is insufficient, citing the need for aggression, speed, and the desire to win duels.
Can Frank Lampard Lead Chelsea To Another Champions League Trophy?
According to a recent report from Daily Mail, Lampard’s team demonstrated resilience and determination during their 2021 campaign, which included a hard-fought defensive effort at the Nou Camp. The current Chelsea squad, however, lacks the leadership and determination seen in their previous Champions League-winning team.
While Lampard cannot immediately address this issue, the return of N’Golo Kante and Thiago Silva from injury may help bolster the team. Kante’s presence will undoubtedly improve Chelsea’s performance, but whether it will be sufficient to defeat Real Madrid remains to be seen.
