Frank Lampard believes Chelsea should be aiming to fight for league titles every year, but winning the FA Cup on Saturday could be a building block towards a title challenge next season.
In his first season
in charge at Stamford Bridge, Lampard has guided Chelsea back into the
Champions League next season despite the loss of Eden Hazard to Real Madrid and
a transfer ban to contend with.
Chelsea are already
making up for lost time in the transfer market with Timo Werner and Hakim
Ziyech signed for next season.
But Lampard insists
victory over Arsenal at Wembley will only lead to greater things if it is
accompanied by the same dedication to improve as his squad have shown this
season.
“It’s a nice boost
but it will only mean anything going forward if we take it in our pocket, move
forward and improve as a club and on the training pitch,” Lampard said on
Friday.
“A top club will
compete for cups and league titles every year. We did it for a long time.
“In the last few
years we haven’t been able to fight for that league title so it doesn’t mean
all of sudden we are back and in that picture, but it will be a nice, small
step when you consider where we want to get to next year.”
Lampard is able to
welcome N’Golo Kante back from a hamstring injury that kept the French
midfielder out for the last six games.
Willian is also fit
again for what could be his final game for the club.
The Brazilian’s
contract expires at the end of the season, but Lampard has no doubts over using
him at Wembley despite rumours he could be on his way to Arsenal next season.
Willian played a
key role in getting Chelsea into the Premier League’s top four with four goals
since the season restarted in June.
“I’ve known Willian
for many years now as a player and now as his coach,” added Lampard of his
former teammate.
“If anyone wants to
see the mentality of him, it’s been shown since restart.
“He’s been
fantastic for us, he’s been fantastic this season. He’s shown the right
attitude.
“So I would expect
nothing less than he’s shown already, and that’s Willian for you.”