Korey Smith believes Derby County are ‘in a good place’ as they prepare to round off their pre-season campaign at the weekend.
Derby will conclude their friendly games programme ahead of the 2023/24 Sky Bet League One season at Pride Park Stadium against Premier League newcomers Sheffield United on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
Midfielder Smith, 32, was a key player for the Rams last term, making 48 appearances in all competitions, and he believes Paul Warne’s squad have enjoyed a positive couple of weeks preparing for the season.
Smith, who signed for Derby a year ago as a free agent after leaving Swansea City, spoke to RamsTV ahead of the meeting with the Blades to review pre-season to date and what the Rams are looking to take out of their final pre-season outing.
On how he’s feeling ahead of the final pre-season game…
On a personal level I am feeling good. I had a little niggle that forced me to miss a couple of games but I was out running on the grass with the medical team for a lot of that time, so I didn’t miss too much. The boys have been working their socks off and they’ve been amazing. We had some time together away in Spain and gelled as a group, sharing stories and getting closer. We’re looking sharper now compared to the earlier games and I think we’ve had a good pre-season. Personally, I’ve not had a pre-season for a few years, so it has been nice to get pretty much a full one in.
On his hamstring niggle earlier in the month…
I felt it a little bit and I was lucky really. The medical team and the gaffer didn’t want to risk it given it was early in pre-season. If I had carried on, I could have made it worse and then who knows how long that would have ruled me out for. I came out for a week or so and I don’t feel like I’ve missed too much.
On pre-season itself…
This one has been a bit more old-school, but when I say that I mean by it being a mental challenge. A lot of it is just that. The management and staff aren’t stupid, they’ve not made us do silly amounts that aren’t achievable. We’ve been pushed to our limits and it’s all about sticking together and encouraging each other when we’re tired. I think it will stand us in good stead for the future and we’re looking forward to getting more minutes at the weekend before building up to the first game. I think we’re in a good place.
On the squad dynamic…
We’ve got a few new faces that have come in alongside the lads that were here last year and it feels good. The dressing room last season was an amazing environment to be in with some brilliant people. It’s nice to be here for all the pre-season, which I didn’t have last year. All the new lads have brought their character into the group already, as well as being good players, and hopefully we can make the supporters happy this season.
On facing Sheffield United this weekend…
We go into all our matches looking to win, it’s a mentality we want to keep, but we know that right now it is about making sure everyone gets match minutes and tactical work in. The coaching staff are massive on set plays and we have to make sure we get that right, as well as how we want to play. It is all about getting ready for that opening game in front of what we hope will be a full Pride Park.
