Frank Lampard admits Chelsea's first leg performance against Barcelona was 'close to perfect', but concedes they still have it all to do at Camp Nou.
Midfielder hoping Chelsea can repeat first leg heroics against Barca
Frank Lampard admits Chelsea's first leg performance against Barcelona was 'close to perfect', but concedes they still have it all to do at Camp Nou.
The Blues head to Catalunya on Tuesday looking to protect a narrow 1-0 lead and book their place in the UEFA Champions League final.
A battling display at Stamford Bridge, which saw Didier Drogba snatch the only goal of the game, has given Chelsea the upper-hand in the tie.
Lampard believes that display was as good as the Blues have produced this season, but is aware that reigning European champions Barcelona will provide another substantial test on home soil.
"I don't quite know what the perfect game is but we played the game we wanted to play on the night," he told the
Daily Star Sunday.
"You can't go charging forward against Barcelona because they have too many tools to hit you with on the break.
Focus
"In terms of tactics, we probably played it as close to perfect as we could to get that result.
"In terms of 90 minutes, that might be the best we've played - but it won't mean anything unless we get through the second game.
"Over there, it's going to be a case of work-rate and focus because you have to concentrate so much when you play them because of the movement they have behind you.
"For me they are the best club team there has ever been in my lifetime - for sure. Their movement is first class and with the speed of their play, you can't shut off your mind for a second.
"You have to work hard to close the space all over the pitch and then we have enough belief in our team to create something on the break.
"We have to feel we can get a result over there - we have players who can do things away from home. We have a spirit and a togetherness in the squad at the moment and although we know we have a very tough game to come, we will give everything we've got.
"Why do we do better than other teams against Barcelona? Well every time you take them on you know your work-rate has to be massive - and we have a real work ethic in our team. We have regained that.
"Mid-season, we lost it. You have to have it against Barcelona - and you need a bit of luck, too."
Confidence
Lampard has also praised interim manager Roberto Di Matteo for the job he has overseen since inheriting the reins from Andre Villas-Boas, with Chelsea making progress in Europe and readying themselves for an FA Cup final showdown with Liverpool.
"Whether he gets the job is a question for the club but he's done brilliantly," he said.
"No one can deny that when you look at the results and the turnaround, atmosphere and confidence running through the club.
"I think fans relate to him being an ex-Chelsea player. Only one defeat to Man City means we've given ourselves a chance by closing the gap on fourth place.
"We are in the FA Cup final and now 90 minutes away from the Champions League final."
