Chelsea are yet to play their toughest fixtures this month following defeats to Aston Villa and Wolves already. The Blues are currently winless from three games in April and up next is Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final.
The west London outfit put on a concerning display at Molineux, losing 1-0 thanks to a great first-half volley from Matheus Nunes. Speaking in his post-match press conference, Frank Lampard explained what his side must change ahead of their trip to the Santiago Bernabeu.
"If you're worried, don't come," the 44-year-old said. "The players shouldn't be. It's a carrot for them when they sign for Chelsea. Every player in that squad whether it's Mateo Kovacic who has won two Champions League and played in World Cup semis, finals, you deserve to play for Chelsea or if you're Mudryk and you come here, you've had your pathway to get here. You're here for a reason.
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"To expect everything to come together as a squad is maybe not the case. I'm not saying the squad- doesn't have aggression, it's just bringing together. Sometimes a bit of confidence, a lack of confidence can look like aggression to the eye.
"As a team we were up against a team that were very aggressive today and maybe some second balls and duels and things like that we weren't quite at. I don't mind saying because it has to be said to be a reality to be dealt with.
"Wednesday will be a completely different game but those things are always still there in some form or another. We've got a few days to recover, prepare and go again."
So, with that said, football.london has taken a look at Chelsea's next five fixtures as Lampard hopes to return to winning ways amid a congested April fixture calendar.
Real Madrid (A) – Champions League – April 12
In a repeat of last season's quarter-final tie, Chelsea will lock horns with the holders once more. With a place in the Premier League top-four out of reach, this competition will go some way to how Blues fans will judge Lampard's tenure.
The Spanish giants are serial winners in the Champions League and they are among the favourites to retain their crown. Nevertheless, the west London outfit will need to take a plausible result back to Stamford Bridge if they want to be considered as serious contenders.
Brighton (H) – Premier League – April 15
When Chelsea last locked horns with Brighton, the Seagulls ran riot on the south coast and put four past Potter's side. Lampard will be eager to set the record straight when they welcome Roberto De Zerbi to west London, though it could be a difficult task.
This tie is just one of several games this month where emotions will run high. Lampard will be hoping that his players can hold their nerve and right their wrongs while under immense pressure.
Real Madrid (H) – Champions League – April 18
The pressure of the second-leg against Real Madrid is hugely dependant on the score in the first-leg. If Chelsea can remain competitive at the Santiago Bernabeu then Stamford Bridge will be rocking which makes for a spectacular occasion.
However, if Los Blancos run riot in the Spanish capital then this fixture could end up dead and buried before you know it...
Brentford (H) – Premier League – April 26
Ordinarily, this tie might have been seen as a welcomed breather for Chelsea amid some tough games. However, Brentford are certainly a force to be reckoned with this season.
Arsenal (A) – Premier League – April 29
While the Blues' Premier League campaign may be over, Arsenal's isn't and they're embroiled in a title race with Manchester City. Just as they famously did to Tottenham a few years ago, Chelsea could stop the Gunners' from winning the league – or Mikel Arteta's side could just pile on more misery...
Liverpool next five fixtures:
Arsenal (H) - April 9
Leeds (A) - April 17
Nottingham Forest (H) - April 22
West Ham (A) - April 26
Tottenham (H) - April 30
Manchester United next five fixtures:
Sevilla (H) - Europa League - April 13
Nottingham Forest (A) - April 16
Sevilla (A) - Europa League - April 20
Brighton (A) - FA Cup semi-final - April 23
Tottenham (A) - April 27
Tottenham next five fixtures:
Bournemouth (H) - April 15
Newcastle (A) - April 23
Manchester United (H) - April 27
Liverpool (A) - April 30
Crystal Palace (H) - May 6
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