Cocu: “We Were Fighting Until The Last Second”

Manager Phillip Cocu was disappointed to only take a point in today's 0-0 draw against Swansea City - but felt his side gave everything in a bid to get the win.

Martyn Waghorn had the Rams' best chance, but unfortunately he could not convert from the penalty spot in the first half as Freddie Woodman kept his low strike out.

The Rams pushed for the winning goal in the second half, but did not manage to find the breakthrough as the points were shared at Pride Park Stadium.

“I’m disappointed because we got a penalty, a great chance to score, but it was a good save,” Cocu told RamsTV.

“It is part of football. I’m just disappointed we couldn’t get the win because we dominated. In the first half the tempo was a bit low to create but in the second half, we stepped up.

“For the rest of the game we tried to get the goal we deserved but we didn’t score and were stuck with a draw. When you have so much ball possession it is disappointing we only got one point in our first home game.

“In the second half we went forward with more energy, but it was also a little sloppier than the first half. We had a better presence in the final third, but the crosses didn’t come in the right way and good saves by the goalkeeper, the set pieces just didn’t work out like we tried.

“Sometimes small details can make the difference in a draw or a win. I think if you can score the penalty, you get the boost, the energy and the confidence in the team goes up.

“We were fighting until the last second and the boys gave everything so I am proud of them. They gave everything to get a result for the home fans but we stuck with the draw.”

It was a landmark day for Rams captain Richard Keogh as he made his 350th appearance for the club and the manager paid tribute to the defender.

“That is a huge number,” he said. “I think the next few seasons there will be more.

“He is a great captain, a great professional and a great example for all the players and I am happy to have him in the team.”

The one worrying sign from the day was the injury picked up by Jayden Bogle in the second half.

Whilst he will be assessed in the coming days, the manager commented on Bogle’s replacement, Max Lowe.

The left-back played out of position at right-back, but put in a solid display.

“He did well,” Cocu said. “It isn’t easy to come in suddenly and not in your position.

“It shows we are a team and we work together and everybody that came on put in their best effort today and that is positive.”