Lamps ready for anfield test
Frank Lampard accepts Chelsea must be at their very best if they are to come away from Sunday’s title showdown at Liverpool with an acceptable result.
The last time Chelsea visited the North West to play a major rival Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side put in a meek display at Manchester United and left Old Trafford with only a comprehensive 3-0 defeat.
Since last month’s loss Chelsea’s form has picked up considerably and they head to Anfield, for a game that can be seen live on Sky Sports 1, on the back of four consecutive wins.
Lampard recognises the need to pick up points against a stuttering Liverpool, aware that Manchester United’s scintillating form of late has led many pundits to suggest a third successive title will be heading to Manchester.
Imperative
“It’s imperative that we don’t lose but try to win the game to keep pace with United – especially having just had the boost of winning a few games and going above Liverpool in the league,” he told the News of the World.
“But it will be very hard. Liverpool are a team that can put on a performance at any time, a team that can beat anyone. I have played against them enough to know that the games between us are normally tight.
“We let ourselves down with our performance at Old Trafford. It was nowhere near the level you need to produce against a team like Manchester United.
“To give a goal away just before half-time was a killer. And then we just folded in the second half. We can’t afford to do that at places like Old Trafford – or Anfield.”
Reaction
He added: “You can’t afford to give goals away at big moments and we have to be much stronger in the way we bounce back after falling behind. Maybe that match will prove to have been the turning point for us.
“We certainly all looked hard at ourselves after that match. But we have reacted to it in the right way. We have jumped ahead of Liverpool on goal difference and now we have a massive game up there where we can try to pull clear of them.
“If we don’t play with the determination, belief and spirit which have been our trademarks over the years, we won’t win there. But if we go there and work hard, be solid and be brave we can get the right result.”
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Berbatov loving life at United
Manchester United’s Dimitar Berbatov has claimed that his Red Devils team-mates are the best he has ever played with.
Berbatov has been a leading light for Sir Alex Ferguson’s men in recent weeks as United continue their fight for honours on four fronts.
The 28-year-old has bagged goals against Middlesbrough, Chelsea, Bolton Wanderers, Tottenham Hotspur and West Bromwich Albion in the last month to help United climb to the top of the Barclays Premier League.
With 11 goals to his name so far this season – not to mention plaudits galore – Berbatov has credited his stellar form to the galaxy of stars he has the privilege of playing with.
“Personally, this is the best squad I’ve been involved with. I am very proud that the manager has said this as well,” he told MUTV ahead of United’s crucial clash with Everton on Saturday.
“My country is proud, too. For me to be here, coming from a small country, it’s a big success. You can’t get higher than the standard at United.
“We have some of the best players and clearly the best coach. It’s a pleasure just to be here and follow in the footsteps of so many great players.”
Berbatov was also quick to reveal that his rapid acclimatisation to life in Manchester has also helped him hit the ground running since joining from Tottenham Hotspur.
“I feel completely settled here,” Berbatov explained.
“To be honest, I felt that way from the minute I walked into the dressing room. The boys have been great. It’s like I’ve been here for years. I was made to feel part of the team straight away, and I think things clicked quite early on.
“That was a big relief for me. Sometimes if it doesn’t feel like home, you can’t adapt on or off the pitch. But it was so easy for me to settle here.”
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