Lampard defends Barca show

03 May 2009 12:12
Frank Lampard has dismissed claims about Chelsea's negative approach ahead of their midweek Champions League clash with Barcelona. The blues carved out a creditable 0-0 in the Nou Camp stadium in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final, and the two teams meet again at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday The result was marred with criticism of Chelsea's style as Barcelona accused Guus Hiddink's tactics as negative and over-physical. But midfield dynamo Lampard puts the performance down to a difference in football cultures. "It was a magnificent result and a terrific performance," he told the News of the World. "As for all this controversy - I just look at it as a cultural difference both in the way the two clubs play and the two leagues play the game. "Our league is more physical and I think that's one of the big pluses of English football. Chelsea became the first team to keep Barcelona from scoring at home this season and Lampard knows that a win on Wednesday night will send them through no matter what. "They always fire up the talk to build it all up for the second leg, to get everyone fired up for it. But the bottom line is it's what happens on the pitch that matters most," he said. "That's where you need a strong referee that understands both cultures, who takes into account the different styles of the leagues and the teams. "We had that in the first leg because I thought the referee stood up to the pressure very well. Not just to the protests of their players over every decision but to the 95,000 fans who were screaming at him too. "It certainly takes a strong personality to deal with that without succumbing which is why it is important in the return leg that Chelsea fans make sure the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge is as strong and loud as possible to make it just as uncomfortable for Barca as they made it for us over there."

Source: SKY_Sports