Lampard remained optimistic his players have it in them to turn the tie around.
Chelsea’s caretaker manager Frank Lampard called on his Chelsea players to “change the story” when they face Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge next week. Los Blancos put Chelsea under pressure after securing 2-0 win in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
The interim manager feels the door remained open to the last four ahead of the second leg.
A red card for Ben Chilwell just before the hour mark effectively ended any hope the team had of springing a surprise against Real Madrid.
“It’s a big challenge of course, a team of the quality of Real Madrid,” said Lampard.
“The door is open, it’s up to us if we want to kick it open further.
“Mixed emotions about the game. For a period with 11 men, we were in the game, we had some chances. I think we could do better.
“We can utilise our strengths better, especially with the wing-backs, we can be more urgent. Those are things for myself and the staff and the players to work on. I saw opportunity there that we didn’t quite take.
“The spirit was great at the end of the game was great – 10 men for half an hour, you understand a lot of things can happen.
“We have to believe. I have to be the first one to believe this is possible.”
Los Blancos will then arrive at Stamford Bridge three days later and despite the lack of firepower, Lampard remained optimistic his players have it in them to turn the tie around.
“If you don’t believe in top level sport that things will go your way… it’s a mindset and a belief,” said Lampard. “The fans will (believe). They will come and support us.
“We’re realistic, 2-0 down against Real Madrid. I’ve been involved in games that change. We’re in a different place now, maybe that’s a good thing.
“We want to change the tone, change the story. We went tonight with 10 men against Real, it’s a difficult night for the lads. I see they’re disappointed in the end. They gave everything in that final part of the game.
“It’ll be different next week. We’re not favourites. We weren’t favourites yesterday, we’re not favourites today. The possibilities are ours if we can take them.”
See More:
- Lampard explains Chelsea’s better winning rate in Europe compared to Premier League
- Kalidou Koulibaly speaks about Lampard’s influence at Chelsea
