Lampard wary of the Bielsa factor

FRANK LAMPARD says Marcelo Bielsa helped wreck his landmark England appearance and does not want him to ruin his Pride Park bow as well.

Lampard, below, is preparing for his competitive home debut as Rams manager today when Leeds visit.

He recalls captaining England in a friendly against Chile at Wembley in November 2013 – but it all went wrong after he was presented with a golden cap after making his 100th appearance in the previous game against Ukraine.

Alexis Sanchez scored twice in a 2-0 Chile win and Lampard felt Bielsa’s legacy – he coached Chile between 2007-2011 – ensured they ran out easy winners.

Lampard, 40, said: “Receiving the cap was definitely the best part of the day.

“Chile were still playing the way Bielsa had set them up and we hardly got a touch. I was chasing Sanchez around and we found it difficult to deal with him. Bielsa

DERBY LEEDS

has brought that to all his teams with forwardthinking, strong ideas.

“He is at the top of the tree, a leader not a follower.

“Can I put out a team which gets the better of his? Leeds are one of our main rivals, not just in terms of the league but history. “It’s going to be a fantastic atmosphere and hopefully the players can live up to that with their performance.” Bielsa expects Lampard’s presence in the dugout to have a positive impact on Derby this season.

He said: “He is one of England’s former glory players and this always has a big influence on a team.

“Derby are one of the six most important teams in the Championship. They have been at the forefront of its development and deserve special respect.”

NORWICH WEST BROM

for selection against Norwich today.

And West Brom manager Moore said: “All the players need to focus on the job in hand. It can be a distraction, not just for those players, but for the whole squad.

“But the window has come and gone now. That helps people channel their minds and thoughts. It quietens the noise down a bit.”