3/1 To Win
Liam Rosenior was left extremely encouraged by Derby County’s level of performance against Premier League side Leicester City in their latest pre-season friendly on Saturday afternoon.
Derby were beaten 3-1 by the Foxes at Pride Park Stadium in their penultimate pre-season outing of the summer, with all the goals coming in an action-packed second half.
Kelechi Iheanacho put Leicester ahead just after half-time and although Tom Barkhuizen equalised soon afterwards with an excellent finish, late goals from Patson Daka and Callum Wright secured the win for the Foxes.
The Rams have a week to go until their first Sky Bet League One outing of the 2022/23 season, when they host Oxford United, and Rosenior feels preparations are progressing at a good pace despite only assembling the new-look squad inside a matter of weeks after seeing the club exit administration.
Derby’s Interim Manager caught up with RamsTV after the clash with the Foxes to review his side’s display and provide an update on the latest from the dressing room as the new season edges closer.
Reaction To The Game…
I am delighted with the work-out. First of all, I have to say thanks to Leicester City because they brought an outstanding team here today and their staff were different class. It was a good test for our defensive shape and how we need to organise off the ball. Their class told in the end with their one-touch play and movement; it was really good. We also have to remember we won’t face that sort of level in the league this season. What really pleased me today was the reaction when we went 1-0 down; we kept fighting and got back level. I had to make changes as things unfolded and I need to think about the bigger picture. We made some mistakes and got punished for the last two goals, but we will learn. Overall, I am delighted with the test we had today and the support from the fans. Hopefully we will give them lots to shout out about this year. I think we are in good shape and I am really excited for the season to start.
Moments Of Quality And Matching Leicester For Spells…
We have to remember that this is a new group of players and we are trying to microwave the process. We are giving a lot of information to the squad and, as we like to play out from the back, it might not always work and be perfect every time. The more we work on things and show belief and be confident, the better we will be. We will learn when the right time is to play and when it is right to play into James Collins. We haven’t had a natural number nine like him for two years. We need to know when to use his quality and I am sure he will be a really important player for us.
On Tom Barkhuizen’s Goal…
I want us to get the ball into the box more and attack it and the goal was a perfect example of that. I am sure the more we work on it, the better things will be. The goal was a great move and Tom Barkhuizen finished it off really well.
On Max Bird Up Against Youri Tielemans…
Youri Tielemans is a top-class midfielder. He isn’t just one of the best in the Premier League, he’s one of the best in the world in his position. For someone like Max Bird to come up against him, he will learn so much. It’s the same for a lot of the lads today, Leicester are an outstanding top-six team.
On Korey Smith’s First Derby Outing…
Korey looked the part today and he brings real energy to the team, alongside his commitment and determination. He also has quality on the ball too. I don’t want just a good starting eleven, I want a good squad and for all of the players to make my life difficult when it comes to picking the side. I want competition for places to get to where we want to be, which is back in the Championship.
On Alfreton Town On Tuesday…
I’ve looked at the minutes the players have had in pre-season and the ones that didn’t start today will start against Alfreton. I am looking forward to it and going to a local club in pre-season. We want to help our local non-league clubs to generate some money, rather than arranging another match against a Premier League or Championship side. It is a good chance to build up our fitness and be set for the season starting.
