Lampard wary of Barca

06 May 2009 09:55
Frank Lampard has told skysports.com that Chelsea must get their tactics spot on during their return date with Barcelona.[LNB] The Blues secured an impressive 0-0 draw with the Catalan giants at Camp Nou last week during the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final.[LNB]With Barca's much-touted attacking threat kept relatively quiet on Spanish soil, the general consensus appears to be that Guus Hiddink's men now hold the upper hand heading into the return fixture.[LNB]Lampard, though, has warned that Chelsea cannot afford to let their standards slip when the eagerly-anticipated tie resumes at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.[LNB]"I wouldn't say it is advantage Chelsea, but it was certainly a good result for us - barring scoring an away goal," the England midfielder told skysports.com as he reflected on the first-leg stalemate.[LNB]"I feel it is still in the balance, though, because we have a slight advantage, but they have great ability to be able to score an away goal."[LNB]DominateHaving seen Barca dominate possession during the first leg, Lampard also admits that Chelsea must adopt a more adventurous approach in front of their own supporters.[LNB]"I think that is the way we always set up at the Bridge," he said.[LNB]"That is our start plan against any team at home, but against Barcelona you have to be aware of their threat but still be on the front foot because that is when we are at our best.[LNB]"They won't dominate possession at Chelsea like they did out there. Their culture is to have the ball at the back and play across the back four, but that doesn't really bother us too much.[LNB]"It is all about how many times we can move the ball quickly and create chances. Possession is something which is nice to have, but it doesn't necessarily get you results."[LNB]Barcelona's plans for the second leg have been hampered by the news that Rafael Marquez is set to miss out through injury and Carles Puyol must serve a suspension.[LNB]WeaknessLampard admits that potential weakness at the heart of Barca's back four is something Chelsea will try to exploit, with much expected of talismanic striker Didier Drogba.[LNB]"Didier at his best will trouble anyone," he added.[LNB]"Obviously they have a bit of a gap there, where they have to change and bring someone in, so it won't be ideal for them, but they are still a fantastic team.[LNB]"But we will look to Didier as a frontman in a big game, like we have done in the past, to try and cause them a few problems."[LNB]Lampard is also of the opinion that Hiddink's considerable experience of life in continental competition will stand Chelsea in good stead as they look to land the Champions League title for the first time in the club's history.[LNB]"The manager is always important at a club like Chelsea, at any football club, and he obviously has huge experience - Champions League games, big games, international games," said the 30-year-old.[LNB]"Tactically I don't think there is much he hasn't seen and having someone like that as your manager is obviously a huge benefit, you can see that in the way we have been playing."[LNB]Lampard wears the new adidas Chelsea home kit for the 09/10 season featuring ClimaCool mesh for extra comfort. Every team needs a 12th man - to test your Chelsea knowledge and to pre-order your shirt visit www.adidas.com/chelseafc[LNB]

Source: SKY_Sports