This archive report was first published on 14 July 2020.
Chelsea's push for Champions League qualification has reached a critical juncture, with the team sitting third in the standings and just a point ahead of fifth-placed Manchester United.
According to Mirror UK, manager Frank Lampard has urged his players to 'stand up' and 'show character' in the face of stiff competition, particularly with Manchester City's two-year ban recently lifted by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Chelsea are set to face already relegated Norwich City at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, July 14, and a victory would cement their place in third as the season enters its final stretch.
With the top four race intensifying, Lampard's message to his players is clear: they must 'show the quality they've shown for big parts of the season' and 'stand up' to the challenge.
“The important thing now is how we react and I expect that from the players. I’ve got big personalities and there will be big personalities in the team. They need to stand up,” Lampard said.
“They need to show the quality they’ve shown for big parts of the season. I trust they will do and because we’re at the business end it’s very important that they do. I think mentality is huge,” he added.
