Chelsea Will flourish in the Champions League- Lampad
Frank
Lampard believes Chelsea can flourish in the Champions League but is not yet
looking any further than reaching the knockout stages.
The Blues
host Valencia in their Group H opener on Tuesday.
Lampard's
faith in youth is appearing to pay off in the Premier League after his side
thumped Wolves 5-2 on Saturday, but he knows European football is a different
challenge.
"I'm
confident but very aware of the dangers," he said.
"Our
target is to qualify from a tough group. It is different [from league football];
the main thing is that the concentration levels throughout the game have to be
spot on. The different level can surprise you.
"I have
belief in the players. I think we have talent that can blossom in the Champions
League.
Lampard won
the Champions League as a player in 2012 and the former midfielder is looking
forward to making his debut in the competition as a manager.
"I had
some incredible nights in the Champions League, and some bad ones," he
added.
"It's
the ultimate in club football. There is something about Stamford Bridge,
Champions League football and that music.
"I will
be proud to do it."
The Blues
will be without defender Antonio Rudiger after he tweaked his groin during
Saturday's win at Wolves - his first appearance of the season.
Midfielder
N'Golo Kante and Callum Hudson-Odoi are "fit, but not match fit",
according to Lampard, and so will not feature against the La Liga side.
Valencia
will be led by Albert Celades, who was appointed last week after the surprise
sacking of Marcelino.
Chelsea
goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is wary the change in management could make the
Spanish side more of a threat.
"I
think Valencia will always be a dangerous team," he said.
"At
times, these circumstances can make you a more dangerous proposition."
FROM bbc.com/sport/football
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