Frank Lampard admits Chelsea need ‘something special’ for Bayern Munich turnaround

It turns out that Chelsea manager Frank Lampard is not the only returning hero making a decent first impression.

Since May, Miroslav Klose has been back with the Bayern Munich first team, beginning life as assistant coach to Hansi Flick.

After four years as a Bayern player, the 42-year-old former striker is forging a reputation in the dugout and plans are already in place for the upcoming Champions League mini-tournament.

The Blues face Bayern Munich, who had legendary striker Miroslav Klose helping as coach 

Chelsea are 3-0 down after first-leg defeat at Stamford Bridge, a tough position to return from

‘If we can make it to Lisbon he will take care of the players who stay here,’ Flick revealed. 

Tempting fate? Perhaps. But Bayern are 3-0 up from the last-16 first leg and for tonight’s return clash in Germany, the omens could hardly be worse for Chelsea.

Only four times have sides overturned a deficit of three or more goals. None has done so after losing the first leg at home. ‘We have to believe we could have the opportunity to do something special.’ Lampard said.

‘It is a huge task, no doubt… [but] games have turned to big degrees, some famous games and great games.’

Lampard was Blues captain as Chelsea won the Champions League final in 2012 over Bayern

Few nights have matched the drama of Chelsea’s last trip to the Allianz Arena when, in the 2012 final, they triumphed over Bayern, injuries and the odds. 

Lampard was captain that night but he insists: ‘I won’t use that [to inspire]. If I tried to use short stories from my career the players would be very bored of me. This is a big experience for them, no matter what: a fantastic stadium and a fantastic team. 

‘It does not matter about historical change-arounds in football. It is about what the players do on the day.’

Chelsea’s hopes of achieving another miracle in Munich faded further after last weekend’s FA Cup final, in which Christian Pulisic, captain Cesar Azpilicueta and Pedro were injured. Jorginho and Marcos Alonso are suspended, while Willian has an achilles problem and is expected to join Arsenal.   

Chelsea have been savaged by injuries ahead of the clash, with Cesar Azpilicueta ruled out

‘As a club we have done everything we can to explain to Willian,’ Lampard said. ‘Mine and his relationship is very close and I would have no feeling of disappointment if he does move on. He is a fantastic man and a fantastic player.’

Willian will, though, leave a void of experience and quality. ‘It will be a huge loss for us,’ defender Antonio Rudiger admitted.

Lampard has had to dip even further into Chelsea’s youth ranks. Four players could make their debuts tonight, while Ian Maatsen and Armando Broja have one senior appearance apiece.

Bayern coach Hansi Flick believes his side are ready to avoid any comeback attempt 

But Flick claims he won’t be wrong-footed. ‘We have all the information about all the players,’ he said. As for Chelsea’s inexperienced manager? ‘He’s really had an extraordinary season,’ added the Bayern boss, who will be without the injured Kingsley Coman and Benjamin Pavard.

This will be their first competitive match since July 4 but captain Manuel Neuer insists they will not be caught cold. ‘I don’t know what is an advantage,’ he said. ‘To have had this break in between or to have played the season until a short time ago.’

Chelsea will need any and every edge if they are to create more happy memories in Munich. ‘A lot is possible in football,’ Flick said. ‘But we hope it won’t happen.’