Chelsea manager Frank Lampard believes he and his players have learnt valuable lessons from their league defeat at Old Trafford on Sunday.
“We controlled large parts of the game and were a bit unfortunate to lose by such a large scoreline”. Lampard was answering questions put to him by www.aclsports.com at the his press conference before the UEFA Super Cup match Vs Liverpool here in Istanbul. “We have learnt that we can’t make the types of mistakes we made out of possession to quality teams like Manchester United, they will punish you”.
On how his players have reacted since that match “They know what mistakes have been made, they and myself and the staff have noted them and we are working to correct these errors so we don’t get so exposed again. I was proud of the way they played and I told them this. Here is a different game and different opposition for us to apply the lessons learnt”.
Midfielder N’Golo Kante is still struggling with an injury “We did not start him on Sunday but he came on and picked up another knock. He is here though and will be subject to fitness test tonight and before the match tomorrow” Lampard said.
Willian and Antonio Rudiger are also doubts but the manager says they will make the bench at least.
Pedro who has won the Super Cup 3 times in the past with his former club Barcelona is hoping he will be lucky again “I have won this trophy 3 previous times and scored in my last one; so I am here to try to win it a 4th time. It is a trophy and we always want to win trophies at this football club”.
Club captain Cesar Azpilicueta has high hopes of striker Tammy Abraham in this long season of a Transfer Ban on the club “I have known Tammy since he was in the Academy and I have always rated him. I believe in him, he has been away on loan spells and did amazing at all these places. He was unlucky not to score on Sunday but we know and trust his quality, he will be good for us”.
Calvin Emeka Onwuka in Istanbul