"We had a very bad time here [last season] and we have to respect Chelsea," he added. "They're not going through a good moment but they have a very good team. Sometimes when you're worst, you bring out the best."

The humble Ancelotti, 63, also dismissed any idea that the lesser experienced Lampard, 44, would be disadvantaged by his lack of Champions League experience.

"I don't think my experience will change what will happen tomorrow," he said earlier. "Lampard has been a great player who I coached for two years.

"He knows this type of game well and how to prepare his team. It has taken him a week [to adjust] but he's going to do well as long as he's at Chelsea."

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