Lessons in loss can be valuable
FRANK Lampard says Derby County will learn more from their secondhalf struggle against Aston Villa than they did in their six-match unbeaten run.
Derby went into Saturday’s Championship clash having won three and drawn three of their previous half a dozen League fixtures.
They had beaten Sheffield United, West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City, and drawn with Norwich City, Queens Park Rangers and Middlesbrough.
Four of those opponents are in the top six but the Rams crashed 3-0 to Villa, with all the goals conceded in the second half.
“We have to all look at ourselves myself, the players - and say ‘OK, that is a 45 minutes we will learn more from than the previous six games,’” said Lampard. “The first half was close and the second half they (Villa) were the better team, clearly, and won the game on the strength of that.
“We could have been in the lead by half-time, yes, but if we are not at it, as we weren’t in the second half against a team with the quality of Aston Villa, that is what you get.
“They were better than us with and without the ball. There can be a multitude of reasons - a bit of tiredness, a bit of composure and bravery to get back in the game, and get on the ball.
“We missed those for different reasons. It can happen.”
And Lampard says the defeat will be a test of character for the Rams.
“This is a good test of character for us, for sure, and how we react is key,” said Lampard. “Lads with character, and I believe they have the character, will come back.
“The lads deserve a bit of rest, they have worked very hard and it probably showed in the second half to a degree but there is more work to be done to come back strong for the games that are ahead.”
There is now a two-week international break before the next League game against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on November 24.
“We will rest a bit because I think the players need that but then we will work as well,” said Lampard.
“The lads have had a good batch of games, we must say that, but our focus and desire has to be for more so let’s get back to work.”
Defeat coupled with West Bromwich Albion beating Leeds United 4-1 on Saturday evening left Derby sixth in the table on 28 points.
Villa are up to 11th, four points behind the Rams and Lampard expects Dean Smith’s team to be in the shake-up for promotion.
“In the second half, I thought they played really well,” said Lampard.
“They are going to be there or thereabouts because of the strength in depth they have in their squad.
“In Dean Smith, they have a very good manager, we all know that, so they are going to be a threat.”
Lads with character, and I believe they have the character, will come back.
Frank Lampard