3/1 To Win
Liam Rosenior was in no mood to sugar coat his assessment of Derby County’s start to the 2020/21 Sky Bet Championship season following the 2-0 loss at home to Barnsley on Saturday.
Conor Chaplin gave the visitors the lead on the half-hour mark following a loose pass from goalkeeper David Marshall and fired the ball beyond the Scottish international custodian.
Derby pushed to find a way back into the game and enjoyed plenty of possession throughout, but they lacked a cutting edge in the final third.
Barnsley substitute Victor Adeboyejo ensured it would be the visitors that took all three points when he curled the ball beyond Marshall’s reach with seven minutes left.
The result leaves Derby with one win from to their name so far this season from 11 Championship matches and, going into the two-week international break, bottom of the table.
Derby were without their manager Phillip Cocu for the game as he and Executive Chairman Mel Morris CBE have been forced to self-isolate for 14 days after encountering Chief Executive Officer Stephen Pearce, who tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday night.
Rosenior conducted media duties after the game in Cocu’s absence and admitted the Rams’ start to the campaign has simply not been good enough.
Speaking to RamsTV, Derby’s Specialist First Team Coach said: “This is a fantastic football club and I was so excited about joining it because of the proud tradition and size of Derby County and I guarantee you, it hurts.
“This club shouldn’t be in this position and I, as a coach, take accountability and I hold my hands up in my part of that. What we need to do is find the formula that moves this club forwards. What I have to say about today is that it is not through a lack of trying.
“The players gave everything. It is a lack of confidence, lack of belief, taking the wrong option when we are in the box, taking the wrong option to cross when we should shoot or shoot when we should cross.
“On top of that, are crucial errors. David Marshall has been outstanding this season and I have to say that we lose as a team. We are not going to point any fingers, I am as much a part of it as anyone else, but we know it needs to change and we have to get out of this situation.”
He added: “There is no point making excuses or trying to sugar coat the position we are in now. You need character, you need resilience, you need determination, and you need to keep working hard.
“That is something I will do for however long I am here. I want success for this football club, and I know the manager is desperate for success for Derby County too, as every member of staff is.”
Cocu was in constant communication with his staff on both Friday and during the game, after it was confirmed on Thursday evening he would be required to self-isolate.
The Dutchman was on a live audio link with his staff throughout the 90 minutes and was also able to watch the game via a live video feed.
Rosenior explained: “We have been in constant communication with the manager over the last two days.
“He is passionate about this football club and I had some really good conversations with him, as all the staff did.
“He was communicating all the way through and linked-up with Twan Scheepers (Specialist First Team Coach) during the game.”
The 36-year-old added: “I feel for him. I feel for everyone involved in this football club, the supporters and everyone around the community at the moment because we are not in a position that we expected to be or should be with the squad that we have.”
Derby return to action following the two-week international break with a trip to Ashton Gate to take on Bristol City on Saturday 21st November (3pm kick-off).
