FRANK LAMPARD is expected to return to the Chelsea starting line-up against FC Nordsjaelland this evening, with the England international apparently comfortable with the rotation policy being implemented by Roberto Di Matteo.
The veteran midfielder, who sat out Premier League matches against Stoke and Arsenal, had been unsettled when the previous manager, Andre Villas-Boas, used him sparingly over the first half of last season. His disappointment was exacerbated at the time by a breakdown in communication with the management, a criticism that cannot be aimed at the more diplomatic Di Matteo, who has been charged with introducing new talent into midfield while maintaining relations with the club’s long-serving personnel.
“Frank is still a key player and very important for us,” said the Italian, whose contract is due to expire at the end of the season, with talks yet to progress over an extension. “He’s been so successful with this club and I hope he stays for the rest of his career with us. Frank is an intelligent man and I have a very good relationship with him. We talk and, as much as nobody likes to be on the bench and being disappointed at not playing, I hope he understands. His attitude has shown he supports the team and that’s very important.
“We had conversations at the back end of last season, given the amount of games that we were playing, and I tried to get the best out of him by not playing him in all the games. This year it looks the same. We have so many games to play and playing every three days is difficult for any player. It’s just like that. I have been trying to do it with everybody but it’s been a question of where we have options and making sure we always have energetic and dynamic performances. It’s done on a game-by-game basis, always looking at the balance of the team.”
Di Matteo does not intend to implement too many changes this evening from the side that won impressively at Arsenal on Saturday, even if Lampard’s anticipated return would catch the eye. Chelsea are acutely aware this section could become awkward, particularly with Juventus having already claimed a point at Stamford Bridge and with trips to come to Turin and Shakhtar Donetsk. Indeed, there is an acceptance that improvement, even as holders, is still required to ensure progress.
Nordsjaelland are debutants on this stage, playing their first “home” game in the Champions League, albeit away from Farum Park, and are expected to be the section’s whipping boys. Their manager, Kasper Hjulmand, suggested the Danish champions’ entire budget for a year might equate to a prominent Chelsea player’s wage, yet the London club will be taking little for granted having found away wins in Europe elusive in recent years.
The draw in Barcelona and triumph on penalties in the final in Munich last season understandably took the focus but the victory at Benfica in the quarter-final actually represents a sole success on their travels since Carlo Ancelotti’s team won here at a bitterly cold Parken stadium in the knockout phase two seasons ago.
Even Genk, in last year’s group, drew with Chelsea at home – one of five occasions when a lead has been won and then squandered. Given the situation in Group E, a win in Copenhagen looks imperative.
“From the day I saw the group I thought it would be a difficult group for us,” said Di Matteo. “It is basically three teams who probably have a chance of qualifying: the Ukrainian champions, the Italian champions and us. So this is a crucial game, I would say. But, against any team, it is extremely difficult away from home in Europe. On paper we are favourites but on the pitch it is tough.
“There is room for improvement [away from home]: you have to try and finish games off. That was the case in Valencia and at Bayer Leverkusen last year, too. But the players are working hard defensively and against Stoke and Arsenal our organisation was good. We have a solid base. But for us this is probably the most important game in the group after drawing with Juventus. It is crucial.”
