Lampard proud to lead Chelsea in UCL
SHOWS: STOKE D'ABERNON, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM (SEPTEMBER 16, 2019) (REUTERS - ACCESS ALL)
1. (SOUNDBITE) (English) CHELSEA MANAGER, FRANK LAMPARD, SAYING:
"I had multiple incredible nights in the Champions League and some bad ones, but it's the ultimate in club football for me in terms of competitive club football and there's something about nights at Stamford Bridge, there's something about Champions League music, there is memories I have and we have here as Chelsea people and I want to experience it on this side of the fence. So I'll be proud to take the team out of course, very aware what matters is results, what matters starting the group well against tough opposition (Valencia) but yeah I am excited."
2. LAMPARD LAUGHING AND CLAPPING HIS HANDS
3. CHELSEA STRIKER, TAMMY ABRAHAM AND OTHERS, DURING TRAINING
STORY: Chelsea boss Frank Lampard expressed excitement and pride ahead of his Champions League bow as manager against Valencia in their group stage opener on Tuesday (September 17).
The Blues host a Valencia side in the midst of a self-imposed media blackout in response to the recent surprise sacking of popular manager Marcelino, who guided the team to Copa del Rey glory last season as well as a Champions League spot.
Despite the Spanish side's problems off the pitch, Lampard remains focused on his side's own preparations and acknowledged that a tough situation, as the one Valencia find themselves in, often pulls a group closer together.
Lampard will be looking for goals from 21-year striker Tammy Abraham, who is joint top-scorer in the Premier League with seven strikes and coming off the back of a stunning hat-trick against Wolves over the weekend.
(Production: Stefan Haskins)
