Sun 14 Jul - Posted in Breaking News
Time to read: 3mins
Phillip Cocu felt that there were several pleasing aspects to take away from Derby County’s two friendly clashes against Bristol City in Florida over the weekend.
Derby took on their Sky Bet Championship rivals at the IMG Academy to conclude their 10-day training camp in the United States, having defeated USL side Sarasota Metropolis 2-0 on Wednesday thanks to a double from striker Jack Marriott.
Severe weather conditions on Saturday evening meant that the original format to play out the clashes against Lee Johnson’s side, in four quarters of 30 minutes each, had to be re-scheduled.
Heavy rain and a thunderstorm resulted in a 45-minute match for one Derby side on Saturday evening, who were beaten 1-0 courtesy of Famara Diedhiou’s low strike.
The decision was then taken to play the next part of the match, played as two 30-minute halves, on Sunday morning back at the IMG Academy.
That particular Rams side ran out 2-1 winners, with Mason Bennett and Ikechi Anya on target before Nathan Baker pulled a late goal back for the Robins.
Cocu, who viewed the 10-day training camp as an ideal opportunity to learn about his new players in close quarters following his appointment earlier this month, was satisfied with the workouts despite the less than ideal circumstances.
He told RamsTV: “Yesterday we had very bad weather and it was difficult to get the game going.
“For safety reasons we couldn’t proceed. Today the weather has been much better although towards the end we saw everyone was struggling as they were losing so much energy in the heat.
“The players did well and it was a good game from both sides. We scored two good goals, the way we like it.
“We can be happy when we look back at the camp. We’ve had a good stay (in Florida) and now we’re ready to head back.”
Those players that managed 45 minutes on Saturday evening were given a strong workout on Sunday morning.
For those who had less minutes than those that had a run-out on Sunday, Cocu admitted it was vital they were put through their paces.
“Those that played yesterday only got 45 minutes so they did a training session today,” he said.
“We have a flight back later and a day off after that, so they needed to do some training and they had 60 minutes.”
The side which played for an hour on Sunday morning contained several youngsters from the Rams’ Under-23s.
Cocu believes there’s plenty of potential coming through the ranks and has challenged the up-and-coming talent to show they are capable of making the step-up to the first team.
He said: “We had a young side out there today so they have an opportunity not only in the training sessions but in the game also.
“It is all about the game. I think in the first 30 minutes some of the youngsters struggled with their handling skills. In the physical game you have to be clever and ready to receive and open up; you have less time (on the ball) than in an Under-18 and Under-23 game.
“If you have the talent to step up this game and catch up then you have the possibility to make that final step to the first team.
“It will take time and we have to learn about them and give opportunities and particularly in pre-season and in training. There is potential in the club that is for sure.”
