Craig Short highlighted the various challenges that Derby County’s Under-23s have faced so far this season as they get set for their final game of 2017 against Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday night.
Three competitions have seen the Rams face prestigious opponents from far and wide, whilst the October trip to Spain to face Real Union in the Steve Bloomer Trophy also provided a fresh experience for the players.
The Rams have made an unbeaten start in the Premier League International Cup, but only a win will see Darren Wassall’s side guarantee automatic qualification to the knock-out stage, as Dinamo currently occupy top spot in Group C.
Short believes that the experience of facing unfamiliar opposition will stand the players in good stead going forward.
He told RamsTV: “One good thing about playing this opposition, which we found last year when we played against Benfica and PSV Eindhoven, is that it’s a different challenge.
“Benfica were outstanding and we had to adapt to a different way and we had to change a few things at half-time.
“The trip to Spain was great as well because the players were older than us and again it was different style, different tactics and technical ability as well, so it all helps their development.
“We’re just trying to get the players ready for what lies ahead, and hopefully we’re going in the right direction.”
How do you prepare for a game when the opposition are relatively unknown? Short believes that Derby’s analysis team will have the answers…
He said: “The analysis staff here have so much knowledge, as much as the coaches or maybe even more.
“They know about all of the young players and you soon pick up the information, and the lads will know about all of their players.”
