Derby County must go to Elland Road on Wednesday full of belief, according to manager Frank Lampard.


The Rams face Leeds United in the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi-Final Second Leg on Wednesday evening trailing by a single goal.

Kemar Roofe’s strike on 55 minutes in the First Leg at Pride Park Stadium on Saturday separates the side going into the clash at Elland Road, however, Lampard believes the tie is far from over.

His side competed well on Saturday but were unable to make the breakthrough.

“I thought it was a really good game in terms of it was well-matched,” Lampard told RamsTV, reflecting on Saturday’s game.

“It was a tough match for us, we knew that because Leeds are a good team. I won’t have any of this nonsense about their run in and where they have been, they are a good team. They are an experienced team in this league, finished points above us over the season.

“In periods of the game we were better than them and in periods of the game they were better than us. Not too many shots in the first-half for either team, we started really well then they got into it.

“In watching it back, I thought we competed really well and unfortunate, maybe, not to go in level. It was a tough match and well thought.

“There are little lessons to be learnt but I thought the lads gave everything and will have to give everything and more on Wednesday.”


The Rams know a victory at Elland Road will force either extra time, and potentially penalties, or their passage through to the Play-Off Final and Lampard wants his side to remain positive and have belief that they can get the win.

“At Elland Road there will be a big atmosphere and they are a good team,” he said. “We shouldn’t be too negative about where we are at, but we have to understand the situation.

“We have to win the game, if we win the game we will be at least taking it in to extra time. It is all there for us.

“Little things didn’t go our way on Saturday, for sure, particularly the big decision and some smaller ones, but we have to be professional, we must be driven, determined and go there to turn it around.”