Despite Saturday's heavy defeat at Anfield, Billy Davies remains confident his squad of players can get it right in the Premier League.
Speaking to dcfc.co.uk after the Rams were on the receiving end of six from top-of-the-table Liverpool, the Derby boss said: "I was genuinely pleased with the first 20 minutes or so because I felt we came out and competed well, moved it around and showed a bit of bravery, but then they scored their first from a free-kick - a decision I thought was a bit soft and would like to see again.
"The goal itself was struck wonderfully with lots of pace and direction, so I have no qualms with that, but we took another lesson in the Premier League by switching off and losing a second goal 30 seconds before half-time.
"That put us on the back foot and once again I felt one or two of my players were like rabbits caught in headlights from that point on. But we were missing a lot of quality today through injuries, so it's all about getting into the international break, getting the injured players back and regrouping. I am very confident the squad I have will get better and better."
Asked what he'd said to his players after the game, Billy said: "What do you say? There's no hiding place. Just look at the goals we have conceded - all due to naivity and indiscipline. You can't do that at any level, let alone at Liverpool.
"We have made mistakes that gave our opponents the confidence to get more arrogant in their play, but I have to say that Derby County's supporters today were absolutely magnificent and all I can say to them is that we will be more prepared in the coming weeks to start competing at Premier League level.
"We welcome the break. It was always important to get the transfer window closed and settle down the squad and get the injured players back. Now we will work very hard on the training ground to get us prepared for the next batch of games."
Derby's injured list currently includes Giles Barnes (foot), Eddie Lewis (groin), Benny Feilhaber (ankle), Dean Leacock (toe) and David Jones (groin). Even deadline day signing Kenny Miller is currently carrying a hamstring injury.
"Giles is a massive loss because in this league power and pace are huge assets in the counter-attacking sense," said Billy, "and those are the attributes that both he and Kenny Miller have in abundance.
"Kenny has great belief in his own ability, excellent pace and he's always a goal threat, so he will be a fantastic asset for this football club.
"Both Kenny and Benny Feilhaber will join their international teams next week but I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that neither is asked to play."
