JOSE BOSINGWA was alongside Frank Lampard for Chelsea’s greatest European night in 2012.
And now, the former Blues defender believes the club’s young generation of stars are in the right hands to go on and replicate that night of Champions League glory.
Jose Bosingwa claims Frank Lampard’s Chelsea kids can emulate the 2012 Champions League triumphCredit: PA:Press Association
Since taking over this summer, Lampard’s dream of building a Chelsea side brimming with academy prospects has already taken shape.
His next challenge is to turn them into serial winners; winning when the pressure is on.
No game so far in his short managerial reign has been bigger than their Champions League clash tonight – a must-win game against Lille at Stamford Bridge to confirm their Last 16 place.
Bosingwa, who spent four years with Chelsea, was part of the side that defied the odds to make it to the final seven years ago and beat Bayern Munich on penalties in their own backyard.
And it is that game that leads the 37-year-old to believe Frank can do it again as a coach.
He said: “Just like the moment we had in 2012, I am sure Frank will lead Chelsea on to moments like this and he will help them master those situations.
“Frank was maybe the best professional I ever played with in my life, so I had no doubts over his abilities as a coach and the commitment he would show.
“He will teach those young players what it is like to play for Chelsea, what it’s like to feel Chelsea and what Chelsea is as a club and as a home.
Jose Bosingwa holding the Champions League trophy during the parade in 2012Credit: Reuters
“He will give them the confidence and power to make Stamford Bridge a real force not just in England again, but in Europe.
“The atmosphere at the Bridge was incredible, especially on European nights.
“Every player wants those moments in Europe and your focus suddenly goes up 200 per cent. But what Frank can add on top of that is to let them be free and embrace the pressure.”
Despite a current run of one win from his last five, Lampard has proven his managerial potential with impressive early form that has guided the Blues back into the top four.
Bosingwa added: “He was always a very calm person. He never got too loud in the dressing room but the way he trained and the way he played, he could just do everything and anything.
“What I learnt from him came from his actions, not necessarily his words.
He demanded respect.
“He was always and is the right man for Chelsea, and he is set up to do an incredible job.”
Since taking over Lampard’s dream of building a Chelsea side brimming with academy prospects has already taken shapeCredit: Reuters
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
