3/1 To Win
Gary Rowett felt Derby County’s friendly at Macclesfield Town was another satisfactory workout.
Derby ran out 2-0 winners at Moss Rose thanks to second half goals from Bradley Johnson and Mason Bennett.
Rowett split the match minutes across his squad by giving 21 players a half each, while Jamie Hanson played the full game.
The 43-year-old admits, at this early stage of pre-season, the main aim is improving match fitness – with the 2017/18 Sky Bet Championship season kicking off in three weeks.
His comments post-match echoed the ones that he made at Kidderminster Harriers on Tuesday, admitting he saw some good things and, clearly, some areas which require improvement.
He felt his players had a few heavy legs during the game as a result of a hard training session on Friday, but says that is to be expected as their fitness levels increase.
Rowett told RamsTV: “It was a little bit like Tuesday night in that there were a lot of good things.
“There were also lots of things that when we didn’t do them as well as we need to, it caused us one or two problems.
“That’s what the first two games are about, though.
“We trained incredibly hard yesterday (Friday) and that’s the issue at the moment, you don’t want the players feeling fresh for the games and that’s part of the process.
“You load them so when you do get the days off and lighter sessions they will feel the benefit of it.
“There were a few heavy legs out there and you could see that with the final pass, especially in the first half.”
He added: “It’s funny because we were excellent in the first half on Tuesday with some really good attacking play, but not so good in the second.
“Today, we weren’t so good in the first half but far better in the second. You take that with a pinch of salt and don’t want to be too harsh on the players at this moment in time. It takes players time to find their feet and we’re only two and a bit weeks into pre-season.
“In terms of the way we want to move the ball, be incisive and get shots in at goal; I was pleased with the second half.”
Rowett is not getting carried away with two friendly wins, six goals scored and none conceded.
He does, however, admit they are all good traits and habits to have even at this early stages.
He said: “Without being disrespectful to the opposition you would expect us to score goals and keep clean sheets.
“That said, it’s always good to get into those habits. I am pretty pleased with where we are at right now in terms of the level we find ourselves after two and a bit weeks of pre-season.
“We know we have a little bit of movement in the transfer market and there will be a different feel to the group and different options.
“I have to say the attitude and application has been exemplary. The players have been enthusiastic and they’ve all played with a smile on their faces.”
