INTERVIEW: Eustace Prepared For Hectic Festive Period

Derby County Head Coach John Eustace has stressed the importance of utilising his squad over a bumper festive period.

Saturday’s visit of Portsmouth to Pride Park Stadium (3pm kick off) - the Rams’ latest Sky Bet Championship test - will be the first of five within a 16-day phase across the Christmas calendar.

Arriving at the fixture on the back of a comprehensive 3-0 win against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on Monday evening, Eustace has admitted every member of his squad will be needed to negate an unforgiving but ‘special’ time of the year.

Talking to RamsTV to give his pre-Portsmouth thoughts, the Head Coach also spoke on the need to embrace an exciting end to the calendar year, and the threat posed by John Mousinho’s side.

On Enjoying The Run Ahead:

I’m excited for the squad and for the fans as well. It’s an exciting period of the season over Christmas, especially with Boxing Day games and on New Year's Day too. It’s really important that we enjoy the period.

For me, it's important that we look to be as positive as we can, making sure we stick together and that we're competitive in every game we play.

On Utilising His Rams Squad Over Christmas:

We have to manage players’ minutes properly; everyone's going to be needed. I think it's very evident that we've had players injured but they will be coming back over this period. So, we've got to look after them properly.

We've shown that we can use the squad very effectively up to now, and it's important that we keep using the squad in that way. Every player that we've got in this great squad is so important, which has been proven so far this season.

On Players Adapting To The Festive Schedule For The First Time:

They've got to learn what it's all about. Those players have already learnt what the Championship is all about. You can talk as much as you want, but you only learn from doing it on the pitch. Ultimately, the lads have got to go out there and grind the games out and get used to it.

On Keeping His Plans Consistent:

We just need to go about our business properly. Every day, we will train like we play and it doesn't matter who you play - home or away - it's important that you prepare correctly.

That won't be any different over this Christmas period. We'll be ready for the challenges ahead.

On Facing Portsmouth:

I watched their game against Blackburn Rovers last weekend, and I've seen them play on a number of occasions. I think they're a really exciting team. They’re coached very well from John [Mousinho] and his coaching staff.

We know it's going to be a really challenging game, but it’s one we're really looking forward to.