Leeds United’s cheeky swipe at Frank Lampard following their 2-0 victory over Coventry City has certainly added to the ongoing tension between the two. The Whites took to X (formerly Twitter) on February 6, posting a lighthearted remark about their triumph at the CBS Arena, which mocked Lampard’s trademark way of answering questions in interviews. The post read, “No, but seriously, how good was last night!” — a reference to Lampard’s habitual use of similar phrases after matches, and a subtle dig at the former Chelsea and Everton manager.

This playful jab from Leeds will undoubtedly be a source of delight for the club’s supporters, particularly given Lampard’s longstanding and rather antagonistic relationship with the club. For many Leeds fans, Lampard’s managerial career has been marked by some rather infamous moments, most notably his role in the “Spygate” saga, when his Derby County side faced off against Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds. The saga left a bitter taste in the mouths of many Whites supporters, and Lampard’s return to the dugout this season with Coventry was never likely to be an easy one.

While Lampard had enjoyed a strong start at Coventry, his momentum was abruptly halted by Leeds’ dominant 2-0 win on February 5. From the outset, Lampard seemed to make things more difficult for himself. His decision to cup his ears to the away end, in a somewhat theatrical gesture, was met with loud jeers and chants from the Leeds supporters. However, it was his post-match comments that really riled the Leeds faithful. Lampard bizarrely dismissed his actions on the touchline and even went on to complain about the tight fixture schedule, a complaint that rang particularly hollow considering Leeds, too, had a similar challenge of playing within a short turnaround. His comments felt out of place, especially when considering the high level of preparation and performance his Coventry side failed to deliver on the night.

Leeds United, under manager Daniel Farke, had shown tremendous discipline and control in the match, dominating proceedings from start to finish. The victory highlighted the strong momentum Farke has built, especially after a tough start to the season. The mocking post on X, taking a light-hearted jab at Lampard’s interview antics, serves as a perfect reflection of the confidence within the Leeds camp, while also intensifying the already tense relationship between the two.

For Leeds fans, Lampard has long been a figure of contempt. From his role in the “Spygate” scandal to his time with Chelsea and Everton, he has rarely been on the right side of Leeds supporters. The timing of this post feels especially sweet given that it comes after Lampard’s ill-fated return to the Championship. His reaction to the chants from the away fans – especially considering the Oasis-inspired chant that made the rounds – only adds fuel to the fire. The entire scenario, from his brash actions on the sidelines to his refusal to acknowledge the situation post-match, suggests that his return to managing in the Championship could end in disappointment.

It also seems that this wasn’t just a fleeting moment of frustration from Lampard. The EFL disciplinary board may soon find itself looking into his conduct, particularly after his reaction to the away supporters’ chants. Should they decide to take action, it would certainly add an extra layer of drama to what was already a tough night for the 46-year-old.

In many ways, this victory over Coventry was symbolic for Leeds. Not only did they show their strength on the pitch, but they also added another chapter to the ongoing saga of their rivalry with Lampard. As much as Lampard’s return to the Championship was seen as a potential redemption story, Wednesday night’s defeat may well prove to be a bitter reminder of his less-than-glorious relationship with Leeds, which will continue to simmer in the background as his managerial career moves forward. For Leeds fans, however, this latest episode will only reinforce the feeling that, when it comes to Frank Lampard, some rivalries never really fade.