Cocu: “It Was Very Positive For Us”

Phillip Cocu declared himself ‘very satisfied’ with what he saw as Derby County continued their preparations for the 2019/20 season with a 5-2 friendly victory at Burton Albion on Saturday afternoon.

Derby produced an encouraging display at the Pirelli Stadium against their Sky Bet League 1 opponents as they lifted the 2019 Bass Charity Vase.

Striker Martyn Waghorn hit a first-half hat-trick while Mason Bennett and substitute Max Bird were also on target against the Brewers.

Cocu, overseeing his first game in charge of the Rams on UK soil following a ten-day training camp in Florida earlier this month, was encouraged with his side’s performance as they continue to prepare for the upcoming Championship campaign.

He told RamsTV afterwards: “I am very satisfied about the way we played the game.

“Sometimes you can miss some chances and get a draw, but we scored five goals and got a good win.

“When we play with a high rhythm of passing and that movement, that is what I want to see. We scored some great goals and we can be satisfied.

“I think it was all very positive for us. We had some big loads in training as well this week, especially yesterday, and I am pleased with not only the football but the physical development of the team.”

On his side’s performance, Cocu added: “I want the players to find the solution to find the build-up from behind. It is important for us to find the opportunity to outnumber our opponent.

“We did that well today to get Tom Huddlestone on the ball and he did a great job. He knows the solutions before he gets on the ball and today was an example of what we can do.

“We will keep on working on how we want play in training and in the next two games before we start the season.”

Cocu was pleased to see Waghorn, who scored 13 times last season after signing from Ipswich Town, amongst the goals.

The frontman was clinical in the final third and, as well as hitting a treble, he also set up Bennett’s goal just after half-time.

Cocu said: “It is always important for the feeling of a striker to score goals.

“For his confidence, and for the team, it puts them in a good place.

“We saw some good finishes today and we created a lot of possibilities.

“If the strikers have the patience to stay in their positions and arrive in the final third then that is what can happen.”

Derby made 11 changes in the second half, with 10 coming in the latter stages of the clash with the Brewers.

Cocu revealed after the game that those that didn’t start at the Pirelli Stadium will have a chance to impress from the off in Thursday’s friendly against Girona at Pride Park Stadium.

He explained: “On Thursday, it will be the other way around.

“The guys who came on, they will start. They will try to get up to around 70-75 minutes and it is important for the players during pre-season to build up their match fitness.”

Derby were backed by well over 2,300 supporters in East Staffordshire and Cocu was keen to thank the fans for their support.

He said: “It was great, and I love it.

“When your fans are with you every game it is important. It was nice to see the captain take the players around to them afterwards to say thank you.”