Chelsea struggles ´sad´ for Ancelotti but Lampard backed to ignite response

Carlo Ancelotti is saddened by Chelsea’s struggles this season but expects his former side to bounce back under Frank Lampard.

The Real Madrid head coach faces off against the Blues in the Champions League quarter-finals, the first leg taking place at Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.

While domestic form has not been the best for Madrid, heading into the tie on the back of a 3-2 reverse against Villarreal at the weekend, their form in Europe in recent years has been devastating.

Los Blancos have won the Champions League in five of the last nine seasons, the most recent of which was last year, and boast vast experience.

However, Ancelotti does not believe that will have an impact in the two legs against Chelsea, where he expects the Blues to provide a stern test.

“I’m sad. I have great memories of my time at the club. I spent two very good years there,” he said at a press conference when asked about Chelsea’s poor season.

“I don’t think my experience will change what’s going to happen tomorrow. Lampard has been a great player that I coached for two years.

“He knows this type of game well and how to prepare his team. It’s been a week, but he’s going to do well in the time he’s at Chelsea.

“We had a really bad time here [last year] and we have to respect Chelsea. They are not going through a good moment, but they have a very good team.

“Sometimes when you’re worse, you bring out the best.”

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— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) April 11, 2023

Madrid faced Chelsea at the same stage last year, losing 3-2 at home in the second leg but progressing as 5-4 aggregate victors, while the semi-final against Manchester City was similarly dramatic.

Playing the first game of home this time around allows Madrid to potentially build a lead to defend at Stamford Bridge in the second leg, which Ancelotti highlighted.

“We have to think it’s a 180-minute game and try to do well tomorrow. It’s not decisive, but we can help manage the second leg better,” he added.

“We are looking forward to returning to the Champions League and living a magical night at the Bernabeu.

“We have to take advantage of the fact that we play the first game. I think we played well at home and away last year, we did well in every game and deserved to win the title.

“We had to come back, and we had more energy in the finals. We deserved to win the Champions League last year and we will try to deserve this one if we play better than others.

“They were difficult moments against Chelsea and City but we didn’t give up the games and ended up winning the title.”