Frank Lampard knows that Roman Abramovich is desperate to win the UEFA Champions League and that pressure has been too much for previous bosses.
Abramovich has invested a lot of money into the Chelsea squad over the years, he has seen his team win everything in England the top competition in Europe still eludes him.
As hunt for the ‘Holy Grail’ has gone on, Chelsea have employed some incredibly talented managers including Jose Mourinho, Guus Hiddink and Carlo Ancelotti plus World Cup winning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari none of whom could give Roman what he wants.
With the Blues set to start their campaign on Tuesday against Bayer Leverkusen Lampard said: “I don’t know if it is as cut-and-dried as managers losing their jobs for not winning the Champions League, but I understand where you’re coming from – obviously it is something that the owner wants.
“When you’ve had a lot of domestic success, it’s not just the owner but the whole club and the fans, you want that extra step – to win in Europe.
“As a club with what we’ve achieved in the last six or seven years, it’s an obvious thing to say, the one thing that’s missing from our cabinet is the Champions League.
Before confirming: “I wouldn’t say that’s the only reason managers have been sacked, but the pressure is cranked up regardless.”
Chelsea came closest to winning the trophy in 2008, when they lost to Manchester United in Russia on penalties when Israeli coach Aram Grant was in charge. Can Andre Villas-Boas finally give Roman what he has been dreaming of since buying the club from Ken Bates?
By Scott Balaam
Twitter @theshed11