Derby Boss Lampard: No Split Loyalties Facing Chelsea

Derby County boss Frank Lampard says there’ll be no split loyalties when meeting Chelsea in their Carabao Cup tie.

Lampard admits moving away as a player has taken the emotion out of the occasion.

Lampard, whose Rams despatched his old Blues boss Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United on penalties in the previous round, said: “Going back to Chelsea is a big deal for me. But I am not too conflicted on this one.

“There were mixed emotions previously and to go up against them and score was a difficult one for me. I was doing my job but at the same time I loved Chelsea as a club and have a strong bond with the fans which will hopefully never go.

“But as a manager I am going to enjoy the occasion and try to set my team out as well as I can.

“There won’t be a sadness if we win. I will be proud and honoured to be taking my team to a place I called home for 13 years and still feels like home. But this [Derby] is my working home now and I have a great affiliation with this club already.”