Who can lead Chelsea against Real Madrid, according to Lampard
Enzo Fernandez is urged by Frank Lampard to lead Chelsea against Real Madrid.
Youngster may make a significant impact in the match in Madrid, according to Blues interim manager
Since joining Chelsea, the World Cup winner from Argentina has started every game, and at the Bernabeu, he will again do so with N'Golo Kante, who is expected to make his return. He has, however, contributed to a bad run in which Chelsea has only won three of their 12 games since his arrival in January.
According to interim manager Lampard, it is unjust to claim that his young players lack leadership, and Fernandez, who is quickly becoming a force in the locker room, has the potential to leave his mark on a momentous occasion.
This season, Chelsea brought in some younger players, and we needed to give them a chance to mature into the leaders we want them to be "said he. "Enzo is emerging as a leader, but since he is only 22, I believe it is impossible for us to discuss that right now; he still needs to discover his path. Games like the one tonight are a terrific opportunity to shine and display the qualities that make you a good leader.
"When a team like ours performs below the standards we set for them over a season, it's common for the character to be questioned. At times of defeat, it's often one of the first things to be questioned. The only thing the players can do is demonstrate it in front of the crowd on the pitch."
The team was motivated by Lampard's statement on winning the 2012 Champions League amid a challenging season, according to Fernandez, who took the stage yesterday to speak alongside his manager for the biggest game of the year.
He learned that Lampard's side of seasoned leaders, which included John Terry, Didier Drogba, and Petr Cech, had triumphed in Munich against all odds under interim manager Roberto Di Matteo. He acknowledged that hearing Lampard praise him as a leader had impressed him, saying: "Since I always wanted to set an example when I first started, I have always aspired to be a leader. I'm pretty proud of myself for being that defined at such a young age. I always want to do my best and provide a good example for others."
The midfielder acknowledged that Carlo Ancelotti's 14-time champions present a significant task, but he is adamant that Chelsea will rise to the occasion. We're not scared, he declared. "Naturally, there is respect because we are aware of their abilities and qualities. Nonetheless, we'll use our defence to oppose them and attempt to play a fantastic match."
Chelsea, which is currently in 11th place in the Premier League, was eliminated in the first round of both domestic cup competitions. The club's owners are hoping that Lampard, in his second stint as manager, can turn the season around.
Thomas Tuchel won the Champions League in 2021 after Lampard was fired. En route to the final, Tuchel defeated Madrid over the course of two legs. Chelsea's history has an oddity where mid-season hires have succeeded in winning in Europe.
Kepa Arrizabalaga fantasises about winning it once more and thinks his team can pull off a shock.
As we are one of the final eight, it goes without saying that we have winning on our minds. "In these four and a half years, we have triumphed in every battle in Europe. It's really fulfilling. In the end, winning the medal, hoisting the trophy, and celebrating are important, but the route you take to get there is equally important."
