3/1 To Win
Wayne Rooney felt there were plenty of positives to build on after Derby County got their 2021/22 Sky Bet Championship season underway with a 1-1 draw at home to Huddersfield Town.
Derby took the lead six minutes before the break as Nathan Byrne’s inviting corner into the box was turned into his own net by Levi Samuels Colwill, who was under pressure from Curtis Davies at the far post.
Huddersfield, however, pulled themselves back onto level terms a few minutes later as Naby Sarr rose highest to powerfully head beyond Kelle Roos in the Rams’ goal from a set-play of their own.
Both sides had chances to win it in the second half at Pride Park Stadium but with neither side able to make those opportunities count, the spoils were ultimately shared.
The Rams already have more points on the board than they recorded in the opening three league games of last season and Rooney has described the point as a platform to build on.
Speaking to RamsTV after the final whistle, Rooney said: “It is a very good point.
“I spoke to the players after the game briefly and the last 48 hours have been very difficult for everyone at the club. For the players to keep their mind and focus, and come into today’s game like they did, it is a very good point.
“I am pleased with the way we reacted to conceding. Last year wasn’t good when we conceded goals, our heads dropped and they showed a really positive attitude to conceding and showing belief we could still win the game.
“It was a good performance, we can play better and we know that, but overall I am pleased.”
He added: “I didn’t really have a chance to prepare for this game in terms of my shape, my set up and my personnel. It has been difficult to know which players I’d have to start the game. We did what we could briefly to get the players ready and I thought they were excellent.
“The game could have gone either way; we could have lost it or we could have won it. Getting the point is a positive start to the season.”
Rooney revealed in his pre-match press conference on Friday that he spent the previous night sleeping on the sofa in his office at Moor Farm Training Ground.
The Derby boss was keen to remain on site as he sought to add players to his squad and his persistence was rewarded with Curtis Davies, Richard Stearman and Ryan Allsop putting pen-to-paper, while Ravel Morrison also signed ahead of kick-off today.
On sleeping on the sofa at Moor Farm, Rooney said: “That is the life of a manager unfortunately, but I love it.
“I love managing and I love the challenges. It would be great to go and win every game and sit back in your chair and relax and just chill out, but I need to be on my front-foot, I need to be proactive and I need to make sure I am making the right decisions to help this club move forward.
“I think we are starting to get on the right path now, but we need to push forward. I will be in my car in about an hours’ time on my phone again.”
Derby’s next fixture is in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday as they host Salford City at Pride Park Stadium in Round One, while their next taste of league action comes next Saturday at Peterborough United.
