Frank Lampard and his Chelsea kids go into their Champions League debuts against Valencia in high spirits.
And coach Lampard has called on his senior stars to join the party.
After kicking off the season with a 4-0 defeat at Old Trafford, the Blues have gone undefeated in their last four Premier League games.
To make the outlook at Stamford Bridge look a little brighter is the fact that all 11 goals scored in this campaign have been scored by homegrown talents.
Leading man Tammy Abraham has seven goals, while Mason Mount has three and Fikayo Tomori one.
LEADING MAN: Tammy Abraham. Photo: Carl Recine/Reuters.
All three players of these players are 21 years old or younger and will be making their first appearance in the elite club competition on Tuesday, alongside Lampard, who will make his coaching debut too.
And Lampard says: “It is the top club competition in world football and I’m sure Mason and Tammy and Tomori are all excited for it.
HIGH SPIRITS: Frank Lampard. Photo: Tony O'Brien/Reuters.
“All the players should be, all players love the Champions League and I’m looking forward to my debut as a manager.”
Lampard can call on a host of stars who helped the Blues to the Europa League title last term.
Training is underway for the Blues! 👊 pic.twitter.com/5FUizbkM3E
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 16, 2019
Olivier Giroud and Pedro started Saturday’s 5-2 win at Wolves on the bench, while Willian made his return from injury.
Lampard adds: “It’s important we also respect the experienced players have played a huge part.
“If we are going to be successful this season we can’t rely on the young boys, although they are doing a good job!”