Jacob Widell Zetterström has praised Derby County’s ‘tremendous’ support as the Rams look forward to being backed by another sell-out crowd on the road against Oxford United on Tuesday (7:45pm kick-off).
The Rams will head to the Kassam Stadium for their Championship clash with the U’s off the back of a 1-1 draw with Millwall at the weekend.
Goalkeeper Zetterström has made eight appearances and kept three clean sheets in the Championship since joining the Rams from Swedish top-flight side Djurgården back in August.
The Swedish shot-stopper sat down with RamsTV for the first time since joining the club over the summer to talk about adjusting to life in English football and playing in front of the Derby fans.
On adapting to life in England and with Derby County…
I'm very happy and am loving being here. I've been in England before and it's not that different from Sweden. For me, it was just making small adjustments and also not speaking your first language and just getting up to pace with your English. I'm getting to that point where hopefully my true personality can show itself a bit more, too. In the beginning, I was more preoccupied with translating everything but I'm more up to speed now.
On playing in the Championship…
I love English football and to play here is just amazing. The speed of the game and the crosses coming in from every part of the pitch is a big difference from Swedish football. The game goes back and forth all the time too, so there is never a slow moment.
I think you shouldn't make too big changes in adapting to the game here. The way I played before I got here is what got me here. I haven't had to make that big of an adjustment to adapt to the level, but you have to get used to a new game and new team-mates.
On celebrating with the team and showing emotion during matches…
As long as it doesn't take control of you, emotion is a good thing to have. Football is a game of emotions.
Winning or losing affects you - but it should not affect your game or performance. I like to be happy when we score goals. I'm not someone who can be ice-cold every time something happens. I'm an emotional guy and that shows on the pitch as well, as it should be because I love doing what I do.
On playing in front of the Derby crowd…
I've loved every single minute since I’ve been here because the fans are amazing. At home and away games, they're just massive. They make the biggest noise and they're always there to support you. I just love that fact and you obviously have to give something back. I hope they feel like we - the players - are doing that. They've just been tremendous from day one.
