Champions League: Why I picked defensive starting XI against Real Madrid – Lampard

Chelsea caretaker manager Frank Lampard has explained why he picked a conservative side to face Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday night.

Only Conor Gallagher and Kai Havertz are the attackers in the starting XI at Stamford Bridge.

Reece James and Marc Cucurella will play as wing-backs against the LaLiga champions.

It has led to criticism and murmurs from fans especially on social media.

But Lampard told BT Sport: “When I look at us at the moment, firstly, you have to respect the opponent and level of the game. You have to pick players who are in good shape and in good nick.

“With the wing-backs, shaping up like we were last week, that was part of the game we didn’t use enough. We have the legs and energy in there.”

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