INTERVIEW: ‘Every Point Matters’ - Agyemang

Derby County striker Patrick Agyemang says ‘every point matters’ as the Rams head into the final third of the season.

The Rams sit two points outside of the Sky Bet Championship play-off places ahead of Friday night’s trip to Bristol City, knowing a win at Ashton Gate would see them climb five places into the top six.

With eight goals to his name this term, the United States international has certainly proven his power and prowess in front of goal, and he’s now targeting promotion to mark a dream debut campaign.

Head Coach John Eustace also addressed his side’s ambitions and emphasised the importance of remaining level-headed and hard-working to achieve things this season.

Ahead of the visit to the South-West, Agyemang sat down with RamsTV to talk promotion ambitions, his goalscoring form, and his first six months in English football.

On Promotion Aims

I check the table here and there; I want to know where we're at. We want to push to the Play-Offs, and we're going to give ourselves a chance for promotion. I take every game as seriously as possible.

Every point matters now, and it's kind of crunch time. It’s going to be a lot of pressure, but it’s something that you need to be around, because if you want to be at the top, there’s going to be a lot of pressure. It's a good feeling.

On Adapting To The Championship

It's intense. The physicality, you can't really compare it to MLS, because I think everyone knows the Championship is probably one of the most physical leagues in the world.

It feels like every game, it's all or nothing. Even though we play so many games, it feels like the level, the tempo and the physicality don't change. So that was a big adjustment for me.

I set high expectations for myself no matter what. We’re always going, but it's fun. I think it's been really good for me, and it's been nice to play so many matches.

On Prioritising Recovery

I had to adjust. Ultimately, it's my first season here, so it's going to take time. But for me, it's just knowing when my body is good and knowing when it needs a little time to recover.

The staff here have been really good for me. They've been helping me a lot and making sure I’m feeling good. They have been a big part in me doing well here.

Then it’s just about catching up on sleep and trying to recover. That's the main thing, because I want to be available and reliable.

On Approaching Double Figures For Goals

I'm definitely happy with my form. You come here, you want to perform and help the team get points. I think my job is to work up front and ultimately score goals. So when I'm able to do so, it's a good feeling. I'm just hoping that I can continue to be reliable up there.

On Support From The States

My support system is amazing. My family watch all my games, and they're the first to let me know how I play. If things are going well, they're the first to congratulate me.

When things aren't going well, they'll give me the advice right away. It's been crazy to see the support I've been having since I moved here. A family from Charlotte came here to watch a game, and it's just like ‘wow, it's crazy’.

You don't really realise the impact that you had where you're from until you step out, and then you see how much love you get. So, for me, I'm just thankful for that.