Lampard Wants His Players To Rise To The Occasion

Manager Frank Lampard is expecting a close encounter when Nottingham Forest visit Pride Park Stadium on Monday night but wants his players to rise to the occasion.

It’s the first East Midlands derby of the season and the first time the manager will experience the atmosphere and rivalry between the two sides.

Whilst both teams are fighting for promotion to the Premier League, Lampard expects his side to be on their game and know what it means to the Derby County supporters.

“I will be there to try and motivate the players, maybe to temper motivation and make sure it’s the right kind,” Lampard told RamsTV.

“They shouldn’t need any telling of what it means to the fans of both clubs so that’s part of an intense derby that comes in football and you should love playing as a player.

“As a manager, you still have a job to do. You have to work, look at Nottingham Forest, who are a good team in the Championship, and know it’s a big challenge for you in a football sense. The atmosphere adds to that.

“You should live for them as players because it’s important to understand that’s what we’re in the game for. You can see the fans and how they feel and we need to try and send them home happy.”

Three points separate the two sides, whilst the Reds just sit outside the play-off places.

“It’s close in terms of points,” the manager said.

“We were level on points before the last game and we know they are a good team. They invested heavily in the summer and bought in some really good players so we know they have a strong squad.

“We know what we are up against here. I have watched them a lot and we are up against a good team in a derby game so everything is on the table.

“We need to bring emotion in, accept what it means to the club, but also understand in terms of league position, it’s even more important this season.”

A big crowd is expected at Pride Park Stadium on Monday night and Lampard knows how important the Derby faithful can be.

"I know our fans are excited, and both sets of fans will be, and we have to try and use that,” Lampard admitted.

“I’m sure our fans will turn out in their numbers and be supportive, like they always are, but with a bit more because they know what it means. We have to be the mirror image of that.

“Myself, my staff, the players, when they step out on the pitch, have to show how much it means. I’ve no doubt that they will but we just have to try and perform to get the right result.”