Despite losing the first leg of their Champions League last 16 3-0 at Stamford Bridge to Bayern Munich, Chelsea boss, Frank Lampard says his team has the opportunity to do something special against the Bundesliga champions.
The two sides will be clashing in tonight’s return leg at the Allianz Arena.
Expressing the belief that Chelsea can progress to the quarter-finals, Lampard said if there is no belief of such, he won’t be at the Press Conference.
“We have to believe, more importantly the players have to believe as they take on this game.
“It’s a huge task, no doubt. It’s going to be extremely tough, but games have turned to big degrees, some famous games, great games, so we have to believe we have the opportunity to do something special.
“We have to go into the game with that thought, give everything to the game, play with confidence, and that’s what I expect to see from the players. Not an attitude of this being a difficult match in a negative sense, it has to be a positive sense.”
Frank Lampard reveals players for Bayern Munich
Chelsea will have midfielders N’Golo Kante and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, back in action after they have passed fitness tests to play in Germany.
But the club will be missing its skipper Cesar Azpilicueta, in-form Christian Pulisic, and Pedro. The trio picked up injuries in last weekend’s FA Cup final defeat by Arsenal.
Pedro, ahead of his summer move away from Stamford Bridge had successful surgery earlier this week after dislocating his shoulder at Wembley.
Willian, who was also out of the FA Cup final, is also absent from the traveling squad.
Willian who will be 32 on Sunday, is out of contract this summer and is close to a move to Arsenal.
“Christian we’re looking at a six-week injury, Azpilicueta hopefully not as bad, hopefully, a three-week injury,” said Lampard.
“Pedro as we know is moving on but his injury is hopefully a six-week one. He had an operation earlier in the week. Willian’s injury is improving but not right for this game.”
Bayern to be withpout Coman
Bayern Munich on the other hand, will be without Manchester United target, Kingsley Coman. The 24-year-old will be out of action due to muscle injury, he has been battling in recent weeks. Since he missed training on Friday, he is expected to sit tonight’s clash.
The Bavarian won’t also have Benjamin Pavard available. This means that utility man, Joshua Kimmich might move from midfield to right-back.
Since Coman is out, Bayern could replace him in the starting line up with either Ivan Perisic and Arsenal target Philippe Coutinho, while Liverpool target Thiago Alcantara is expected to take his place in midfield.
“Kingsley Coman is not available, we have two great options in his position with Perisic and Coutinho.
“Perisic is a little more dynamic in attack, but Coutinho is better on the ball and can play in more positions, as a number 10 off (Robert) Lewandowski. I will decide [on Saturday],” said Flick.
