Chelsea manager Frank Lampard is determined to secure his first win as the Blues manager and finally lift the Uefa Super Cup.
Just days after his first match in charge ended in a galling 4-0 defeat at Manchester United, the Blues’ all-time top-scorer will attempt to mastermind victory in Istanbul.
Chelsea secured their place in the Turkey showpiece by winning the Europa League under Maurizio Sarri and successor Lampard, drawing on his playing days, said: ‘It means a lot to the club. I know first-hand because we lost two!
‘We lost to Atletico Madrid in poor circumstances [in 2012] and we were far, far off and gave them the Super Cup.
‘We were unfortunate to lose to Bayern Munich [in 2013]. When you work hard to get into this game between two champions, it is important that at a club like Chelsea we give everything to win it.
‘It does mean something. It means something to us as a club because it is another trophy.
‘And for me it would be a really nice start for me personally, but more than that a really good feeling for the players with the season coming up that we can compete with Liverpool.’
Stephanie Frappart will make history when she becomes the first female official to take charge of a major Uefa’s men competition showpiece.
Frappart will be assisted by Manuela Nicolosi and Michelle O’Neill of the Republic of Ireland, just as she was for the Women’s World Cup final between the United States and Holland.
‘Of course we feel ready,’ the 35-year-old said. ‘We train a lot, all the time, we’re not afraid of this game as we’re always ready for all the games.
‘I think there is not a lot of difference, because football is the same. Refereeing is the same, football is the same, I would do the same I do in women’s football.’