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FRANK LAMPARD says he is struggling to contain “the animal” inside him as he prepares to make his debut as

a manager.

The former England star is running through the full spectrum of emotions ahead of tomorrow’s televised Championship clash between his Derby side and Reading.

“It has certainly brought another intensity to my life this week,” said the 40-year-old.

“Heated moments can bring out the animal inside. I will try and keep that within. I am not sure how big the animal is inside me.” The ex-Chelsea midfielder says he is having to contain his excitement as he returns to competitive football.

He retired as a player in February 2017 and has been working as a television pundit. “There will be nerves come match-day because this is a new role,” said Lampard. “Potentially they could be bigger now but I don’t mind nerves. “I had it as a player. If you don’t have it, sometimes you are not on the edge as you want to be. “I like the fact that it comes with the territory and I don’t mind pressure. “To go by the last month, I probably won’t sleep very well. Management does bring lots of different issues. “You take full responsibility and do wake up sometimes in the night thinking about players and tactics. But I’m very excited and focused. “Fans want to see passion and that you really care and I will care.” Lampard’s glittering career hit the heights as a goal-scoring midfielder with England and Chelsea. His feats include 106 caps and winning the Champions League, three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and two League Cups.

He is applying the qualities that made him such a success as a player – hard work, dedication and attention to detail – as a rookie boss at the Rams.

“I would love to have as good a career as a manager but I don’t set any aims, that would be naive,” he said.

“I am starting afresh here and from the bottom in terms of my managerial career.

“My playing career puts me in good stead to a degree. I have played under many managers and played alongside many team-mates and tried to suck in all the information I can.

Buzzing

“It helps me get a job like this as my first job, that is pretty obvious.

“But in terms of the big picture, a good start is as far as I am looking.”

Lampard’s appointment at Derby under tech tycoon Mel Morris has got the club buzzing.

Gary Rowett’s successor has already made his mark in pre-season by introducing an attacking 4-3-3 formation. His signings of Mason Mount, 19, Harry Wilson, 21, George Evans, 23, Jack Marriott, 23, and Florian Jozefzoon, 27, have reduced the squad’s average age.

Lampard’s new-look side have gelled quickly and have beaten Premier League sides Southampton and Wolves in friendlies this summer.

But tomorrow will be different with league points at stake in front of a big crowd.

Lampard said: “You are going to see work ethic, energy and a passion for this club to get us to where we want to be.

“Those are the foundations and what our large passionate fan base will react to.

“We have had good form in pre-season but they don’t give you points and when I come up against it, it will be different for me.

“As a manager, it is very important how you respond and react to both winning and losing because everyone in the building will go off your lead.

“That is a new test for me and there will be lots of new tests for me along the way.”