Training Ground Work Is Paying Off, Says Olsson

Marcus Olsson revealed the key factor behind Derby County’s recent run of defensive form, as Gary Rowett’s side look to make it five games without conceding against Norwich City on Saturday.

The Rams haven’t conceded in the Sky Bet Championship since Leon Clarke’s header for Sheffield United on New Year’s Day, and they have kept 11 clean sheets in their last 14 league games.

Olsson came into the side as Derby secured another shutout against Brentford last Saturday, and he explained how Rowett prepares the team perfectly for every game.

Speaking to RamsTV, he said: “The team has been on a very good run and we’ve been working very hard in training, and we’ve been getting the results.

“The gaffer is very clear when he explains what he wants and the boys understand that, which makes it easier for everyone.

“The whole team has been working very hard defensively, and it shows on matchday.”

With the Rams on a run of 11 games without defeat, confidence is high in the camp, but Olsson is wary of the threat that Norwich will pose at Pride Park Stadium.

“We have a very good squad and the rest of the league knows that,” he said.

“They’re a good team, no game is easy in the Championship, but we have confidence in ourselves and we’ll be up for it.”

Tom Huddlestone finally scored his first goal for the club at the weekend, when he finished from close-range after Cameron Jerome’s header was saved.

According to Olsson, this is just one of the crucial aspects that has kept morale high in the dressing room.

He said: “They had a bet for when he scored his first goal, and there’s been a lot of fun and laughing about it in the dressing room.

“The boys are getting along, we train very well and we’ve been away to Dubai as well, which was a good week.

“We trained on good pitches and it was good weather as well, so it was good.”