By Dailysports on August 1, 2020
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard says his side “cannot cruise” into Saturday's Heads Up FA Cup final against Arsenal.
The Blues have already qualified for next season's Champions League by finishing fourth in the Premier League, but the Gunners must win at Wembley to qualify for the Europa League.
Lampard told BBC Football Focus: "I've heard how there's more on this game for Arsenal, and that idea worries me.
"We must put ourselves under pressure. This is a huge game for Chelsea."
Both Lampard and Arsenal counterpart Mikel Arteta can win their first managerial honours at Wembley.
Despite knowing they will be playing in Europe's elite club competition in 2020-21, Lampard - who won the FA Cup four times as a Chelsea player - says his squad must feel the pressure to deliver trophies to Stamford Bridge.
"It worries me that we as a club, as a team, think we achieved something last week by finishing in the top four," said the 42-year-old former England midfielder.
"We are happy with that but that's gone now. We don't consider what it means for Arsenal - we want to win the match.
"I've been in this game a fairly short time but I've played for many years and I know what I want the feeling to be around a final. It needs to be pressured; we need to be on edge. We cannot cruise into a final. You lose them that way.
"The feeling of losing as a manager is worse than as a player because you take on more responsibility - but the feeling of winning is better."
Lampard would not confirm whether Kepa Arrizabalaga or Willy Caballero will start in goal, but France midfielder N'Golo Kante and Brazil winger Willian are both available.
This season's showpiece has been renamed the Heads Up FA Cup final to raise mental health awareness. (BBC)
•PHOTO: Frank Lampard
Source Dailysports
Posted August 1, 2020
You may also like...
Osimhen Pulls Out Of AFCON After Contracting Covid...
Wikki Tourists delay Plateau Utd's party
Conte Sees Red As Inter Milan Are Held...
Villarreal boss Calls For More Consistency From Chukwueze...
The Victors: Two strikers, different stories
Xhaka Could Return Against Southampton — Emery