Chelsea of England’s Nigerian-born midfielder, Ross Barkley is still relishing memories of his lone goal that helped The Blues win away to Leicester City and qualify for the semi-finals of this season’s English FA Cup, megasportsarena.com reports.
The Blues were later pooled to play the last-four stage against Manchester United, for who former Super Eagles’ top striker, Odion Jude Ighalo also scored same day, but the only thought on Barkley’s mind for now is deep relish of his second half stunner away to The Foxes.
Barkley actually played that game at King Power Stadium as second half substitute, which made analysts and fans praise The Blues’ coach, Frank Lampard for making a tell-tale, game changing and inspired alternation that turned out to be the game’s most decisive move.
The goal netter has now come out to hail the former Chelsea player for his tactical acumen and determination for success, going to even applaud Lampard for holding a very strong desire and zeal to win trophies, which he believes will give them an edge against United in the semi-finals.
Incidentally, Lampard won the Cup four times during his active days with Chelsea and, as he goes for history as the next man to win it both as player and coach, Barkley recalls how he also won the trophy with The Blues in 2018 and posited that the gaffer has what it takes to inspire the lads to go all the way to glory once again.
Sunday’s stunner means Barkley now has three goals this season in the FA Cup and his fourth of the campaign overall, without any in the EPL, but he insists he is not thinking of his personal pleasure or individual honour, as he is looking up to Chelsea’s 211 goals record scorer to inspire the whole team to victory over United as well as either Arsenal or Manchester City in the final.
Barkley declared: “It’s the mentality of the club and the gaffer since he’s been back. He wants to win every game and it’s a trophy. Chelsea are a massive club, we win trophies every year and everyone’s motivated with every FA Cup game.
“Even before the lockdown we had big results against big sides and since we’ve been back we beat Man City in the week and at Leicester, against an excellent side, we won the game. It’s given us confidence and hopefully we continue with it.
“The gaffer encourages it, he likes the midfielders getting into the box. In training every day, with repetition of arriving in the box, he encourages that and gives us tips. In this game it paid off for me and any midfielder that plays for us that gets in the box will get goals.”
