Willian defends Ross Barkley after missed penalty costs Chelsea dear against Valencia

Sport360 staff 22:01 18/09/2019
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  • Chelsea winger Willian has defended Ross Barkley after his missed penalty ensured that the London side walked away without a single point in their Champions League opener against Valencia.

    The Spanish side emerged 1-0 winners in what was a bland encounter at the Stamford Bridge. Chelsea failed to create many chances, but were handed a life-line in the 87th minute.

    Daniel Wass was penalised for a handball in the box and VAR involvement saw Chelsea handed a penalty.

    Barkley stepped up to take the kick but rocked the cross-bar with his spot-kick. Willian appeared to have requested to take the penalty but Barkley insisted he took it himself. Chelsea boss Frank Lampard admitted that the midfielder is the designated penalty-taker and will continue to be so.

    Willian too backed the 25-year-old and explained that it could happen to anyone.

    “He was confident about taking it and I asked to take it too,” Willian said, according to Goal.

    “But he was confident. He ended up missing it. That could happen to me or any other player, like Jorginho who also takes the penalties.

    “It is important he keeps his head up. When you win, you win together and when you lose, you lose together too.”

    The Brazilian is aware that Chelsea need to elevate their level to compete in the Champions League.

    “We expected a positive result,” Willian said.

    “We expected to start at home with a victory, but unfortunately we lost it. We have five games left to qualify. I think we have a chance, of course.

    “We have to improve and we have to keep our heads up and keep working. We have everything in front of us.”

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