History plays part for Lampard

Frank Lampard says Chelsea will be spurred on by memories of Champions League misery when they face Manchester United in the quarter-final on Wednesday.

Lampard, who will make his 500th appearance for Chelsea in the game, said the team will not be motivated by revenge after losing on penalties to United in the 2008 final in Moscow.

But he does admit losing that match has made Chelsea even more determined to lift the trophy.

“Those memories spur you on,” the England international said. “There’s nothing worse than the feeling of losing a Champions League final or semi-final in different circumstances.”

“There’s no point being negative and crying about them. We hope one day we’ll have a positive experience that will allow us to forget all the other disappointments.”

“We’ve been so close and every year we’ve got close, people talk about it even more.”

There is a growing feeling in west London that this could be their year in Europe – after all there is little else to aim for in a season that sees them out of the FA Cup and 11 points behind leaders United on the English Premier League table.

But Lampard, who scored in Moscow, refuses to use the word ‘revenge’ as he prepares for a battle against United once more.

“It’s a similar team still to three years ago but I promise you, revenge isn’t in our minds,” he said.

“You understand you can’t win everything. (It’s) probably the biggest rivalry will be because we’re two English teams (and) we play each other in the Premier League at 100mph.”

“That’ll be the rivalry.”

Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti did not reveal whether he would start striker Fernando Torres, who is still waiting for his first goal for Chelsea following a 50 million-pound move from Liverpool in January.

“The criticism about Torres is not in Chelsea,” the Italian said. “It’s outside Chelsea.”

“We have seen Torres play well for the team. He’s not happy that he hasn’t scored, but he played well for the team. I hope he plays the same tomorrow – for the team.”