Centre-back Sondre Langas lauded the Derby County fans' energy for getting them through as a gritty goalless draw against Stoke City to secure the Rams’ Sky Bet Championship status for the 2025/26 season.
Chances were few and far between in the contest before a sold-out crowd at Pride Park Stadium, but both goalkeepers had decisive saves to make.
Langas came close to scoring twice as he headed on target and fired just over the bar in quick succession in the first half as he chased his first goal in Derby colours after arriving from his native Norway earlier this year.
Derby finished the season in 19th place in the second tier, completing a remarkable turnaround under Head Coach John Eustace, as his side picked up points in nine of their last 11 matches to get over the line.
Langas spoke to RamsTV after the game to reflect on the end of his first season in English football.
On a draw seeing the Rams retain their place in the Championship…
Job done! It's a relief that we are staying up in this league. To be fair, I was never focused on the table. We just kept focusing on the next game. I always believed that we could turn this around. The gaffer and the staff have been great, too. The spirit and the mentality of the group was there.
We just had to show what we are good at, play with tactics that we should use. If we kept doing that, we knew we would stay in the league and that showed.
On his chances in the game to score…
Wow. I think I'm more used to clearances than scoring goals. That's why it goes and goes. Hopefully next year I will try to get some goals as well.
On the fans playing their part…
I'm relieved that we are staying in this league. That was the only thing on my mind. I'm really happy and the fans have been so massive. It's impressive how big they are and the support they give us. They are giving us so much energy; I really thank them.
