Richard Keogh believes Phillip Cocu is the ‘perfect man’ to take Derby County forward following his appointment as the club’s new manager.
The 48-year-old former PSV Eindhoven boss has penned a four-year deal to replace Frank Lampard as the Rams’ new manager.
Cocu flew to the United States yesterday to team up with the Derby squad for a 10-day training camp in Florida as part of their preparations for the 2019/20 Sky Bet Championship season.
Keogh, who started every one of the Rams’ 57 matches in all competitions last season, is clearly enthused and excited by the appointment of the Dutchman.
Cocu, like his predecessor, enjoyed a glittering playing career at the highest level and the centre-back is relishing the prospect of learning from him.
The 32-year-old told RamsTV: “It’s an exciting appointment, for sure.
“The Chairman spoke about the fact we lost the old manager but wanted to keep what we had last year in terms of the philosophy and core principles we’re trying to create.
“I think we have found the perfect man in the new gaffer. We have met him, he has addressed us all, and he seems like a great guy. His vision of the club and how we want to play is exactly what we want as players.
“It is exciting to play under someone like him. He played at one of the biggest clubs in the world in Barcelona and to get over 100 caps for Holland speaks for itself too.
“He was a top player and has had success as a manager too, so it’s exciting to be picking into his knowledge. It’s an opportunity to try and get better and improve and learn as a player. The way he sees football is something I see similar in my own game.”
He added: “It’s exciting. It’s exciting with the manager, it’s exciting to be back around the lads and to be in Florida on this training camp. We had a great spirit last year in the dressing room and we want that to continue.”
Keogh reported back for pre-season training a few days later than his team-mates this week owing to his international commitments with the Republic of Ireland last month.
He is looking forward to getting down to work in Florida and getting prepared for another Championship campaign.
Keogh is preparing for his eighth campaign at Pride Park Stadium and is two appearances off 350 in a Rams shirt.
He said: “The season is around four weeks away now so it’s that time of the year to get the fitness in.
“Clearly it’s about getting the hard yards put in but also the manager putting across his philosophy in the lead-up to the season as we try to go that one step further.
“We want to hit the ground running. Pre-season is always tough, but I think it’ll be enjoyable too and that’s what you want. Pre-season is so important and it’s key to get a good one under your belt if you can because if you put the hard work in, you’ll see the benefits throughout the season.
“When it gets tough you need to bite down on the old gumshield as they say and get through it.”
