Frank Lampard believes Chelsea have got the “toughest draw” - but insists they must believe they can win the Champions League.
Chelsea boss Lampard faces a daunting last 16 showdown with Atletico Madrid with Diego Simeone’s men currently joint top of La Liga.
But Lampard is convinced the path to European glory is wide open this season and says there could be a shock on the cards.
Lampard said: “I think most people will say it’s the toughest draw that we could have had when you go on current form in La Liga, European experience, quality of team and play. Most people would say that.
“But all draws are difficult in the Champions League. We have to have belief in ourselves. When that game comes round. We’re going to have to beat these sort of teams if you’re going to win the Champions League, so it is what it is.
“I watched them knock Liverpool out last year, who are obviously a great team and have that experience and quality in the squad.
“You cannot win a competition of that level if you don’t believe in yourselves. The way we are moving at the minute, we have good belief and let’s hope we have that belief and more come February when it all starts again.
“We find ourselves in some form of transition with the newer players coming in. But if we can keep improving we certainly should back ourselves even against a team of the quality of Atletico. It’s a very difficult draw for sure, but we must set our sights as high as we possibly can.
“If you’re going to win this competition then you have to beat the likes of those sort of teams so we just have to remain confident when that game comes around because, as I say, there’s no point otherwise.”
Lampard also fears that Simeone will be a tough nut to crack because of the job the Argentinian hardman has done at Atletico, stamping his authority on the club to make them one of the best teams in Europe.
Lampard added: “I like a team which is the image of their manager and I think he’s certainly proven that over the years he’s been there with the discipline of the team, how they are very strong with their game plan.
“When you watch them, you understand the way they play. You could watch them on TV, turn the colour off and you would still understand that Atletico Madrid are playing.
“They are very sure in the way that they play. They have quality players around that as well and the manager has given that club for a lot of years so they are a very confident and experienced European outfit.”
Who will win the Champions League? Have your say in the comments below
Sign up for the Mirror Football newsletter here
