Manager Frank Lampard is keen for his players not to take their foot off the gas as Birmingham City are the visitors to Pride Park Stadium tomorrow afternoon (3pm kick off).
Lampard’s side have been in good form since the international break and have taken seven points out of a possible nine in the Championship.
Wins against Sheffield United and West Brom was followed with a point at the Riverside Stadium against Middlesbrough as Derby County moved into the play-off places.
The Rams did exit the Carabao Cup midweek but put in a valiant display at Stamford Bridge, earning a lot of plaudits for their performance.
The manager has been impressed with his side but doesn’t want their levels to drop.
“It’s impressive and encouraging but I feel like there is more we can do,” Lampard told RamsTV.
“It’s a dangerous time when you think you are playing well in terms of results and you can relax too much so it’s important to keep working hard.
“We are pleased with the work we are doing and the improvement levels, but we must keep that and do more. The Championship will hit you where it hurts if you relax so that’s the message.
“It’s consistency of work. The intriguing thing about the Championship is that it throws up different challenges each week, especially with styles, formations, physical players, long balls and different systems.
“That’s where are can all work together to recognise who we are playing, what tweaks can we make to our game and what we need to change to get results because winning is what is important.”
Tomorrow’s visitors head to Pride Park Stadium in very good form which has moved them on to the brink of the play-off places.
“Birmingham are impressive and are a good run,” Lampard said. “They have won four games in a row and are unbeaten in 11 so they have a strong team and have a good manager.
“They are well organised, physical, dangerous, they score goals and are hard to break down and any team who are unbeaten in 11, especially in this division, are doing something right.
“It’s been a tough time for them on and off the pitch and that can be difficult for any club. They are a club with tradition, with history and now with a manager who is working well.
“I’ve watched a lot of them and it’s clear to see the work they put in on the training ground that he is doing to improve them and they are on a good run.”
Craig Bryson and George Evans are doubts for the Rams tomorrow afternoon, however, the manager has players he can call upon should injuries occur.
“If I feel like I need to change anything I have the capabilities because players are knocking on the door, are training well and are prepared so we will see what team we will put out,” he commented. “It’s managing the squad and managing the games.”
