3/1 To Win
Derby County Head Coach Paul Warne says his side’s confidence and belief can be vital as they look ahead to a clash with table-topping Leeds United at Pride Park Stadium on Sunday to round off 2024 (5:45pm kick-off).
The Rams secured their second consecutive victory in the Sky Bet Championship at Pride Park Stadium with a 2-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion on Boxing Day and will be looking to continue their momentum when they face Leeds.
Derby suffered a 2-0 defeat in a competitive affair with the league leaders at Elland Road earlier in December, but have since picked up seven points from the following four fixtures - including a hard-fought draw 0-0 against promotion-chasing Burnley away from home and a 4-0 win over Portsmouth on home turf, as well as the success over West Brom.
Warne spoke to RamsTV to preview Derby's final game of the calendar year.
On the away game against Leeds earlier in the month…
I still think that prior to us conceding from a set piece, we were alright at Leeds. I didn't mind the performance. Since then, we’ve had good performances against Burnley, Portsmouth, Luton, which in fairness we could have got more points from, and West Brom. The lads have bounced back from that Leeds defeat really well.
On the feeling when playing at Pride Park…
I'm feeling confident in every game. I know it's hard to believe because my kids always tell me how grumpy my face looks on the side of the pitch! Each game we go into, I always tell the lads I believe they're better than every team. I always try and send them out to win.
We do a lot of out-of-possession stuff, and the lads have to work really hard. For example, the wingers and how they work hard here isn't how other wingers at other clubs are asked to play. I feel like we're a good side at home, but I feel like we're a good side away too.
On coming into the clash with Leeds following a win against West Brom…
It was a big scalp for us to win against West Brom, but it isn't a surprise. I didn’t leave Pride Park going: 'Wow, I didn't see that coming.' I always saw that. I really fancied us; especially with the way we started and Kane Wilson down the right side was causing mayhem. The lads passed the ball really well. I thought Kenzo Goudmijn was really influential, too. Every game we come into with this group, whoever it is, we fancy our chances and the same is true for Leeds.
