POST-MATCH INTERVIEW: Eustace Reacts To Coventry Home Defeat

Head Coach John Eustace gave his thoughts following Derby County’s inaugural home game of the 2025/26 season on Saturday afternoon.

The Rams played out an eventful game in the Sky Bet Championship with eight goals scored between the two sides, with Coventry the eventual 5-3 winners.

The visitors took the lead twice in the first half before Derby mounted a comeback to lead 3-2 with Callum Elder, Carlton Morris and Ebou Adams netting for the Rams.

Three goals in the final 20 minutes turned the game on its head once more, though, and the Sky Blues took the three points.

Eustace spoke to RamsTV following the match, which was played before more than 30,000 supporters at Pride Park.

On a lively game at Pride Park…

I was very happy with the attitude of the boys today. The way we stuck together when we went a goal down a couple of times, and then the character we showed to get back into the game when we went 3-2 up, was pleasing.

The most disappointing thing for me is that at the moment, we've got a bit of a soft underbelly, and we need to get through the difficult moments. I appreciate that we're probably not as up to speed as where we want to be at the moment through different scenarios. Even so, you have to defend the box better than we have been in the last couple of games.

On lessons to learn from the match…

We need to be better with the ball and better in possession. Ultimately, it's about winning games and creating chances. We scored three goals against a really good team today and, when you do that and especially at home with that magnificent support we had today, I expect to see it through.

On Carlton Morris netting his second of the season in as many games…

I was delighted to score three goals, again at home. There are lots of positives to take out of the game. Of course, there are more vital minutes in the legs for a number of players, but ultimately, we've lost, and I'm disappointed.

It's something that we've got to look at. During this week we've got to ramp the intensity up again and be ready for another really difficult game on Friday against Bristol City, but one we can put things right from today.