The Rams boss made several changes to his starting XI which were criticised by some fans before and after the 1-1 Championship draw.
Derby County manager Frank Lampard has outlined his reasons for picking the starting XI he did in Wednesday night’s Championship game at Ipswich Town.
The Rams boss made three changes to the side which beat Hull City 2-0 the previous Saturday, with Andy King, Bradley Johnson and Tom Lawrence coming in for Tom Huddlestone, Craig Bryson and Florian Jozefzoon.
Lampard’s team selection prompted some criticism on social media, as seen on Derby’s team news tweet ahead of kickoff at Portman Road, and also after the game, which finished in a 1-1 draw.
However, the 40-year-old explained how, since Derby’s next game is away at Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup at 12:30pm on Saturday, the quick turnaround between the upcoming fixture and Wednesday’s 7:45pm kickoff meant he had to chop and change accordingly.
Asked by the Derby Telegraph about his selection, Lampard said: “In midfield, asking people to play Wednesday night and Saturday lunchtime is a big ask. There are times when you have to use the squad.
“Some parts of the squad I can’t change because of the numbers, and some I can. We train for that. We win as a squad and lose as a squad. They are the choices I have to make.”
Former Ipswich player Lawrence scored in the second minute for the visitors, but Jon Nolan replied for the Championship’s bottom side in the 55th minute, with the result keeping Derby just outside of the playoffs.
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