Frank Lampard’s message ahead of this week’s home double-header is a simple one… come out firing from the off.
Derby County host Ipswich Town on Tuesday night, before returning to Pride Park Stadium this coming weekend to take on Preston North End.
And after a 2-1 defeat to Millwall, the Rams’ manager is wanting to see a reaction.
Two early goals from the Lions condemned Derby to defeat in the Capital at the weekend – despite a spirited second half fightback led by David Nugent’s stunning strike from distance.
That said, there was ultimately too much to do – a scenario that Lampard is keen to avoid in the coming games as the first international break of the 2018/19 season looms.
“I’m disappointed we lost the game because with the way we played second half, I think we deserved at least a draw,” he told RamsTV.
“We dominated it, but when you concede two goals early at a place like Millwall, that is going to suit them right down to the ground with their style and atmosphere.
“The big positive, for me, was our reaction, so there are good lessons for us. We’re still in the early stages and it’s about how we react again now.”
In their three Sky Bet Championship games so far, Derby have conceded the first goal.
They fought back to dramatically beat Reading in their season opener, but couldn’t repeat the trick against Leeds United and Millwall.
Lampard, particularly, will be looking for his players to showcase the basics that lead to a good start in their back-to-back home fixtures.
“You do have to be quick out of the blocks,” he added. “I thought we were doing ok against Leeds until they hit us with the goal, but it is something we need to look at.
“We have had to come from behind in all of our league games so far, so it is important that we start well. It helps confidence, it helps results, it helps the atmosphere and I know that our fans want to see us come out firing.
“They want to see commitment, energy and passion – all qualities that help you start games well.
“You need to have quality on the ball too, but if we put those basics in, hopefully we will get that good start we’re all looking for.”
Lampard added: “I believe in the squad, I believe in the squad that I put out and I believe that if we perform as well as we can do then we should get our results.
“Results breed confidence, that’s the nature of the game, but I don’t think we need to analyse these results too much.
“There is a fact of that I think we will improve. We have got new players and it does take time. You can look right across the leagues and that’s happening everywhere, but at the same time we have to remain competitive.”