Frank Lampard is refusing to let Spygate become the dominating issue in the lead up to Leeds United’s visit to Pride Park on Saturday.
The two teams are set to meet for the third time this season in the play-off semi-final. Leeds United won both the previous encounters, beating Derby County 4-1 at Pride Park back in August and then 2-0 at Elland Road in January.
Despite both head coaches showing a lot of mutual respect back in the summer, it was events leading up to the second game which have come to define their relationship.
In the build-up to the match, Bielsa admitted to having sent a member of staff to watch Derby train, after the employee was apprehended by police.
Following the defeat, Lampard told the press he didn’t think what Bielsa did was right, admitting to being disappointed by someone who he had looked up to.
Naturally, talk about Spygate has started to hot up again after it was confirmed the Whites would face Derby in the semi-finals, but Lampard is deflecting it.
"I might have to fend off a few questions about it, but for me the important thing is focusing on Leeds as a team and how we can get a result," he said.
"There are loads of stories, and I am not oblivious to them, but all I will see is how can I prepare for Leeds because they beat us well in two games.
"There are lessons there, and we will need to be at our absolute best.”
Kick-off at Pride Park is 5.15pm on Saturday, May 11.
