REACTION: Eustace and Johnston Speak After Saints Defeat

John Eustace admitted Derby County were left frustrated after conceding twice in the second half, but preached the importance of maintaining belief after a battling performance against Southampton in the Sky Bet Championship.

The Rams fell just short against the league’s form side, with Carlton Morris’ 12th strike of the season being cancelled out in the second period by two goals in the space of five minutes for the Saints.

The Head Coach spoke with RamsTV following the match.

On Feelings After Defeat at St. Mary’s

We are very disappointed to lose, especially the manner of the second goal; really soft. I thought that in the first half we were excellent, ran up against a good team, pressed them very high, won the ball back on a number of occasions, defended the box well, went in with a well-worked corner, so to lose, I'm very disappointed.

On Coming Up Just Short Against Top Sides

We've done well, and we're so close, but we need to be better; we need to be coming away with a point or the three points today. The effort that the boys have put in was fantastic. I'm so proud of the group, but we need to understand what it takes to really get into that top six and to win games like this.

On the Message with Four Matches to Go

We’ll keep going, keep believing, keep playing like we're playing. We have been playing some fantastic football and have been doing well, especially at home of late, so let's try to continue that on.

Max Johnston also caught up with RamsTV after the game. The full-back made his first start for Derby since October 2025, after making a return from a long-term layoff and slotted in at left-back in the absence of Derry Murkin at St. Mary’s.

On Coming Up Short Against Saints

We all understand how big a game that was for us, and obviously, the end result is really frustrating. The goals we concede are frustrating, but there are positives to take and obviously some things to work on as well.

On Playing Left-Back and Getting Ahead in The Game via Carlton Morris

Listen, I don't mind, I can play anywhere to be honest, and however I can help the team, I'll always go and do my best.

We had to defend our box for our lives. It was obviously a difficult time, but we stuck strong, and we dug in. We also know how good the big man (Carlton Morris) is, how much of a threat he is as well, so now I'm delighted he's got another goal.

On Returning from Injury

It was nice to feel the game again and be back out there. Of course, the result was disappointing, but personally, it's been a difficult five months for me - to be back out on that grass was a nice feeling.