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Frank Lampard admitted that it was a “big problem” for his Chelsea players to have a clean sheet.
Lampard was probably the happiest coach to be found in the Champions League after a goalless draw but, incredibly, he was the first since he took over at Stamford Bridge 15 months ago.
It also came against top-class European rivals, as goalkeeper Edouard Mendy showed his quality by making several top-class saves against Europa League champions Sevilla.
Chelsea manager Lampard, whose team lost their first Champions League Group match last season to Valencia, said: “The threat of losing the first match like we did last season meant that a clean sheet it was a big problem for us.
“I am happy with a 0-0. I’m happy for the players, happy with the result and also with the defense of the boys.
“They are a high quality team and keeping a clean sheet is a good sign for us.”
Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell added: “We are a top team and when you play at Chelsea you expect to have a clean sheet and if you concede goals you will receive criticism.
We have worked hard in training camp and have shown that we are a strong team on defense.
“The important thing is a clean sheet. We knew people would be watching us after conceding three goals at the weekend.
“We were solid defensively against a good team and we didn’t give them many chances, so we will take a draw and a clean sheet.
“We were organized as a team. I thought defensively we were very good.”
Lampard also insisted that the decision to put Petr Cech on his Premier League team had nothing to do with “romance”, and he is still in good shape despite being 38 years old and retiring more than a year ago.
Lampard added: “He’s in shape, very fit. He is still relatively young. Pete finished playing when he probably could have gone on and assumed his role at Chelsea, which he does very well. It helps me a lot and we work closely.
“If we will see it, I’m not so sure. It depends on how the season goes with Covid and isolations. I certainly felt like it was a no-brainer to have Pete on the team for that reason and he can only help the goalies we have.
“He is one of the best in the world in the modern era.”
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