Why Lampard picked a defensive squad vs Real Madrid

Chelsea interim manager Frank Lampard in a post-match statement has explained why he played a defensive game vs face Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday night.

Only Conor Gallagher and Kai Havertz were the attackers in Chelsea’s starting squad during the match at Stamford Bridge.

Reece James and Marc Cucurella played as wing-backs against Real Madrid.

While it sparked reactions on social media, 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.”

Meanwhile, the game ended in another 2-0 defeat for Chelsea, who have now been kicked out of the tournament as Real Madrid proceed to the semifinals.