Tammy Abraham was in no doubt when asked if tonight's game against Valencia is the biggest of his fledgling career to date but the Chelsea striker insists that the approach will be no different to any other match despite Frank Lampard insisting that it is effectively a knockout tie.
Chelsea must not lose against the Spanish side if they are to reach the Champions League last 16. With three teams tied on seven points in Group H, Ajax being the other, a win would almost certainly seal their progress but defeat would leave the Blues with a mountain to climb.
“I would say so, definitely, I would say so," Abraham replied when asked if this is the most important game he has played in.
“We know this is our biggest game of the season so far but training hasn’t been different. No one’s been acting different, weird, we’ve all been enjoying training, focused and we always want to win in training.
"Obviously coming after the loss at Man City, we were all disappointed and we knew we had to pick ourselves up because we knew we had another massive game coming up. So, for us, we’ll all be in game mode and we’ll all have to give our best performance to win that game. I’m sure all of us know what’s coming so we’ll be ready."
The 22-year-old also said that he does not feel under any additional pressure to score against a big club having failed to find the net in the first game against Valencia, both fixtures against Ajax and in the meetings with Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City.
“I wouldn’t say that plays on my mind," Abraham added. "Coming up against great teams there are going to be less chances in the game.
“That’s something you have to be ready for. When that chance comes I have to grab it with both hands. I’m not worried about it. Every team in the Premier League or Champions League is a strong team. Scoring goals against anyone I would celebrate it like it’s the World Cup final.”
