Frank Lampard has said that Chelsea’s showing in the UEFA Super Cup last month proves that his side can compete with the very best sides in the league.
In just his second competitive game in charge, Lampard took his Chelsea side to Istanbul to face European champions Liverpool, with the game being decided on penalties after an entertaining 2-2 draw.
While Liverpool took the Super Cup trophy back to Merseyside, Lampard feels that the performance of his side proved that his young side are able to compete against the best of the Premier League, with the two sides set to meet once again on Sunday.
“It showed that we can compete with one of the best teams in the country,” the Blues manager said at his pre-match presser.
“It’s a new game and if you aren’t at your best, then they are a team who will punish you.”
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s game, Jurgen Klopp was full of praise for a number of Chelsea’s young players, though Lampard said they should use such praise as motivation to become even better.
“I respect him hugely and it was a nice thing going up against him in the Super Cup,” Lampard said of Klopp.
“He doesn’t mess about and quite rightly has got the success he deserves.
“If he talked about individual players then that is great for them, but they need to use that to get even better.”
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This lot have been lethal in front of goal so far this season… https://t.co/4YKHAmmWV9
— The Football Faithful (@FootyFaithful_) September 20, 2019