Mata: Lamps has outlined rivalry

Juan Mata says Frank Lampard has made sure his team-mates are well-informed over Chelsea's bitter rivalry with Leeds ahead of their clash.

Last Updated: 18/12/12 at 08:07 Post Comment   

Juan Mata: Is aware of fierce rivalry

Juan Mata: Is aware of fierce rivalry

Manager Specials

So who will replace David Moyes as manager of Everton after his appointment as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor at Manchester United? Wigan's Robert Martinez heads the betting. Check out the latest odds

The Blues will bid to avoid surrendering an unprecedented fifth trophy before Christmas when they take on the Whites in Wednesday's Capital One Cup quarter-final at Elland Road.

They returned to London on Monday following yet another major disappointment this season after suffering a Club World Cup final defeat against Corinthians at the weekend.

And Leeds would love nothing more than to pile on the misery for Rafael Benitez's men.

Lampard is the only fit member of the current Chelsea squad with prior experience of what is one of the most acrimonious fixtures in English football and he has wasted no time filling them in on what to expect.

Spain winger Mata, who moved to Stamford Bridge at the start of last season, said: "Lampard told me about the rivalry. He told me the Seventies was when it started.

"They are always difficult games, competitive between supporters. We just want to play and, if it is possible, to win."

Chelsea must somehow lift themselves physically and mentally from their arduous trip to Japan for what is bound to be another war of attrition.

Lampard warned they face being dumped out of another competition if they fail to show power and passion at Elland Road.

The midfielder said: "There's a rivalry, we're aware of it and we have to play on the pitch with passion and do the physical side of things up there, because they're going to be right at it.

"We can't expect to go up there and tap it around and get a result. We have to do both sides."

Having let four pieces of silverware slip through their fingers already this season, Chelsea's young guns are in danger of becoming a generation of also-rans.

Lampard, who returned to captain the side on Sunday following what has been an injury-hit 2012, is a proven winner and bristled at suggestions more recent recruits did not possess the same mentality.

The midfielder, who declared himself fit enough to start again at Elland Road, said: "You can't go and win every tournament every year.

"We've never done that. No-one does it.

"We've changed the personnel a bit this year and there's been a bedding-in process and we've changed the manager, so there's been quite a few circumstances this year.

"We just have to try to improve and play better, simple as that."

TEAMtalk Facebook Fan Page

The TEAMtalk fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

thought you were describing Bart Simpson there from the episode where he sold his soul to Milhouse. I wonder do automatic doors work for Michael Owen.

sulman
The Evaporation Of Michael Owen

R

afa Benitez has won more trophies (10) over the past 11 years than the rest of the current managers in the EPL combined, except for Alex Ferguson.

angry bird
Chelsea duo salute Benitez

T

he day Tonys hat goes missing for some bantz will be different story altogether..

TheBrestEver
Stoke probe 'banter gone wild'

Footer 365

Fernandinho tweets City wish

Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho has confirmed he wants to join Manchester City having helped Shakhtar Donetsk to another title.

Transfer news: Juventus keen on Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez

Italian champions Juventus have admitted their interest in Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez.

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has already turned his attention to next season

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has already switched his sights to mounting a successful campaign next term.

Mail Box

What Would United Be Like In The Pub?

The Premier League season has only been over for about 20 hours and already we're well into the summer-type Mailbox. Plus, a shout for the 2014 player of the year...

Arsenal Should Be Praised For Finishing Fourth

Arsenal fans are largely positive after their top four finish, whilst one wag suggest buying Bale from their rivals. We also have an interesting final mail. Enjoy...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved