Frank Lampard calls for Chelsea ‘fight’ in Champions League push

The Blues boss admitted after Saturday’s comprehensive 3-0 loss at Sheffield United that he had “learned a lot” about his team.

Chelsea are overhauling their squad this summer, with Ajax’s Hakim Ziyech and RB Leipzig’s Timo Werner already on board for next term in west London.

The Blues are expected to keep pushing for more recruits and a clutch of players should also leave the club – but Lampard has insisted he will not use anyone’s long-term futures as motivation ahead of tonight’s crucial Premier League clash with already-relegated Norwich.

“In terms of fighting for their careers, no, I want the players just to fight to be a Chelsea player and win the game that’s in hand,” said Lampard. “Tomorrow that’s Norwich, and it will be Manchester United at the weekend.

“So we don’t jump ahead, and nobody should. The next game ahead is the only one that matters at the minute.

“We’re at a critical stage of the season; Norwich tomorrow then in terms of the league Liverpool and Wolves.

“We know what’s in front of us, we know we have the capabilities in the squad and the team because we’ve shown this season at lots of different points, that’s what’s got us into third position and now we need to finish the job.”

Leicester’s shock 4-1 drubbing at relegation-battling Bournemouth handed Chelsea a quick-fire reprieve after Saturday’s hefty Bramall Lane loss. Chelsea’s fight for a top-four finish continues to remain in their own hands then, with Liverpool and Wolves still to play.

The overturning of Manchester City’s European ban by the Court of Arbitration for Sport means only the league’s top-four finishers will qualify for the Champions League. While fifth place will no longer be sufficient for a seat at Europe’s top table, Lampard insisted Chelsea have to sharpen up.

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