3/1 To Win
A philosophy, an attractive style of play and developing talent are just some of the things which manager Phillip Cocu referenced in his first interview as Derby County manager.
The 48-year-old, who has signed a four-year contract with the Rams, spoke to RamsTV for the first time during the 10-day pre-season training camp in Florida.
And it is already evident why Derby’s Executive Chairman Mel Morris CBE was keen to talk to the Dutchman about the vacant managerial role.
With history of developing emerging talent as well as success in Holland playing a certain style of attractive football, Cocu certainly ticked boxes which the club were looking for.
With both visions aligned and after talks with the Rams, Cocu signed on the dotted line.
“Mel and I talked and I also had some conversations with Stephen Pearce,” Cocu told RamsTV.
“They explained the philosophy of the club, what they had in their mind, the style of play, how the club works with the Academy and it’s important to know a lot about a club and team, and people you’re going to work with.
“If it fits, if it suits and I get a really positive feeling about it, especially about the way they want to work, they want to play football in a certain way and the philosophy. It’s what I like to do also with my teams.
“I like having the ball, playing a forward game. Not only about ball possession, it’s what you do with the possession.
“It can be more direct forward, I normally use a 4-3-3, a well-known Dutch style, but I also look at the squad and players you have to try and find the right balance between the qualities of the players and the system you are going to play.
“Sometimes you need small adjustments but in basic principles it will be 4-3-3. I’ve spoken to the players about the style in the first training sessions and explained what I wanted from them and what they can expect. It’s still early, of course, but I enjoyed being on the pitch again.
“I’m happy to be here and join the team. I’m looking forward to working with the team and looking forward to the season.”
After an illustrious playing career, playing for PSV, Barcelona and making over 100 caps for the Netherlands, Cocu hung up his boots in 2008.
He transitioned into coaching and management and was part of the PSV youth set up, as well as on the coaching staff with his native Holland.
Cocu learned his trade as a coach with his hometown club and was installed as the club’s first team boss in 2013. In five years, he won three Eredivisie titles. Some feat.
A leader, he brings with him a winning culture.
“I demand a lot of myself because I like to win,” he said. “I like to work to certain goals together, not as individuals but as a team. The team is the most important, that’s what I told the players also.
“You want to achieve your goals. You have to set your goals, work hard for it, sacrifice things for it and if you do it as a team, then you will have success. It’s always hard work. It’s tough competition.
“Teams are really close together in the Championship so nobody will give you something for free. We’re going to work hard to get the maximum out of the team, that’s the only thing I can demand.
“To put the maximum effort and achieve the maximum thing is possible with the team we have got.”
Last season, the club saw the emergence of right-back Jayden Bogle.
The Academy graduate’s form led him to make 50 appearances for the Rams last season at the age of just 18.
He contributed the most assists for the club in the campaign and was voted the Young Player of the season.
Max Bird and Jayden Mitchell-Lawson also made the step up from the Academy to the first team and Cocu has a vested interest in ensuring that production line continues.
“I like to develop young players,” he commented. “I also believe that with the high potentials at the club you have to make a plan, so you don’t snap your finger and play in the first team.
“Exceptions are always there but normally speaking you need a plan for one, two or three seasons to bring a young player into the first team.
“The philosophy and how the club works, they can make the gap from Under-19 to Under-23 smaller to the first team, and that’s what Derby has already been working on over the last few years.
“That will help young players to come up to the first team. There is always a balance between players with experience to play on a certain level, you can show the demands of young guys, but for me, the most important thing is that we have a plan for the high potentials in the club.”
There is no better setting than Florida to get to know his players. Cocu has 10 days to learn about his squad, get to know them and get his message across.
The first chance supporters will get to see Cocu’s side in action will be on Saturday 20th July as they face Burton Albion at the Pirelli Stadium and he had a message for the Derby County faithful.
He said: “We will demand the maximum of the players, show them good football and try to achieve our goals with the team and the fans because in the end, we do it all together.”
Welcome, Phillip.
