Frank Lampard is looking forward to pitting his wits against Wayne Rooney on Boxing Day.
New Coventry City boss Lampard takes on his former England team-mate when Rooney’s struggling Plymouth Argyle side head to the Midlands on Thursday.
Plymouth, who stayed up by the skin of their teeth last term, have won just four of their 21 Championship matches since Rooney’s summer arrival, have conceded 45 goals already, not won since early November and are staring relegation in the face already. They could have given their survival hopes a boost at the weekend, but three times threw away a lead against Middlesbrough – led by another former England team-mate of the pair, Michael Carrick.
Lampard’s side enter the fixture just six points above the drop zone after a disappointing start to the season – ultimately costing Mark Robins his job – and having been battered by Portsmouth themselves at the weekend.
“I have known Wayne well for many years now, have full respect for him, and I look forward to seeing him,” said Lampard. “It was an absolute pleasure to play with him for England – and to play against him.
“He was a Premier League and England great, and his numbers and performances should never be understated. The level of player he was, was incredible.
“To see the work ethic behind it that he had as a player and see the impact he had on team-mates, being at camps with him where you see what the person is as well as the player, he is amazing. You look at the weekend and they trade with Middlesbrough who are a really good team, and they draw 3-3 and possibly feel like they might have won the game.
“We have to respect them and give our best and have our confidence because we’re at home and we are a good team, and we need to show it.”
Lampard is also desperate to see a response from his players after their 4-1 loss at Fratton Park.
“When you find a hard moment and you don’t compete, then the result will look after itself,” he added. “Heads were dropping in the second half and they now have to realise that can’t be the way. We can lose a game of football but you can’t lose the confidence and the desire to do something about it.
“They were too aggressive for us in the second half and we weren’t aggressive enough, and when you get that wrong in the Championship then you lose.”
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