Lampard held "clear the air" talks with Alonso
Frank Lampard has no problems with Xabi Alonso
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Sunday, 05, Apr 2009 04:04
Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard revealed he has sorted out his differences with Liverpool's Xabi Alonso ahead of their Champions League clash.
The pair have been involved in a number of heated battles over the years in the Premier League and in Europe. Lampard broke Alonso's ankle with a challenge in 2005 and was sent off earlier this season after another tackle on the Spaniard – although that was rescinded.
Lampard explained he had talked to Alonso after the game between Spain and England last month and that there were no hard feelings between them.
"It's a good battle between us. He is a fantastic player. We've had our moments in the past but there's a lot of respect," said Lampard.
"I spoke to him after the Spain game when we [England] played out there, because of the red card I got before, and cleared the air a bit.
"There are a lot more important things than football and you shouldn't have petty arguments off the pitch."
Chelsea head to Liverpool in the first-leg of the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday and Lampard admitted that Anfield was "one of the toughest places in world football to go".
But the England midfielder felt it was crucial his side grabbed an away goal to take back to Stamford Bridge.