Frank Lampard Discloses Why He Dropped Kai Havertz for Real Madrid Cracker

• Kai Havertz was not part of Chelsea's starting XI against Real Madrid on Wednesday night
• Frank Lampard opted for the pair of Joao Felix and Raheem Sterling to lead the attack
• However, the tactical move did not pay off as Real Madrid sunk the Blues 2-0

Frank Lampard has opened up on his decision to drop Kai Havertz during Chelsea's Champions League cracker against Real Madrid.

Havertz, who is the Blues' top scorer this season, did not feature in Lampard's starting XI as the Blues recorded a 2-0 defeat at Santiago Bernabeu.

Lampard opted to start Joao Felix and Raheem Sterling up front, with Havertz forced to sit out.

Lampard's tactical tweak did not pay off, as Real Madrid silenced the visitors in the cracker.

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According to Sky Sports, goals from Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio in either half of the first-leg quarterfinal tie were enough to see off the 2021 Champions League winners.

Why Kai Havertz was dropped

Speaking on his decision to drop Havertz, Lampard suggested the move was more of a tactical one.

The Blues caretaker boss added that the team selection was not an easy task for him as he had to take into account a number of aspects.

"Well I think the balance of the team feels for me that we have to match the Real Madrid midfield, who have got three world-class players in there," Lampard told BT Sport via Metro.

‘So I felt that we’re strong in that area of the pitch. Going with two up front with Raheem and Joao they both have great counter-attacking abilities, at speed, can handle the ball, can get us up the pitch." he added.

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Chelsea will be hoping to overturn the 2-0 scoreline in the reverse tie at Stamford Bridge for a chance to reach the semis. 

Potter hits out at Havertz

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter rebuking Kai Havertz for mocking Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford during the English Premier League match at Stamford Bridge on March 18th.

Havertz and Pickford had a couple of run-ins throughout the game, with either side having to settle for a point after a two-all stalemate.