Championship

Lampard drools over Bielsa

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Frank Lampard has revealed he envies how Marcelo Bielsa has produced such a “fluid” Leeds United team and is striving to replicate it at Derby County.

Lampard has spoken of his annoyance that the Argentine spied on Derby’s training session 24 hours before they lost 2-0 to United at Elland Road last Friday.

But the former midfielder admitted his admiration and respect for the famed Leeds manager.

“I’ve been really intrigued to watch him all season,” Lampard told the Times. “I’ve read Bielsa’s book. He’s an interesting character, that’s for sure. He came into my office after [the game in August at] Pride Park, was very intense, was asking a lot of questions and there’s obviously a difficult language barrier.

“I like the way he sets up his teams, the fierce press, how aggressive and positive they are. That fluidity is something I’d love to strive for here. He’s very studious when it comes to the game, very shrewd. I like that intensity.”

OPINION

Leeds fans have piled into Lampard over the last week, claiming he was misguided in putting so much store in Bielsa spying on his side before then taking them apart a day later. Certainly, the former England ace’s anger and frustration was clear for all to see. But it was understandable, too, given that Bielsa’s action were not common in the English game. But Whites should now appreciate Lampard’s humility and clear respect for the man who has been the talk of football over the last week. The spy storm has fascinated followers of all clubs, and Bielsa’s midweek Powerpoint presentation has opened his methods to a new audience. Lampard is also keen to learn from the master of the unorthodox and it is a sign of his hunger and thirst for knowledge that he has read Bielsa’s book and is striving to build a side as fluid and aggressive as the one that sits top of the Championship table before the weekend fixtures.

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