Head Coach John Eustace has urged his squad to ‘step up and show a fighting mentality’ after his first game in charge of Derby County ended in defeat against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road.
The Rams were defeated 4-0 by the Hoops under the lights on Friday night as Ilias Chair’s double, including a long-range effort to open the scoring, was complemented by goals from Koki Saito and Ronnie Edwards.
Derby’s new Head Coach admitted he is ‘looking forward to working on the training pitch’ and beginning the hard work ahead of a full week of preparation with the group building up to next Saturday's home fixture against Millwall.
Eustace spoke to RamsTV to reflect on his first match at the helm.
On the result against QPR…
We’re disappointed in the result. I thought we started the game well, and then a wonder strike knocked the wind out of the sails. I'm learning about the group. We did a little bit of work yesterday on the grass, and I think it's clear that the group were a bit lacking in confidence. We've got a good week now on the training pitch to get that confidence back in the group and get us organised and ready to go.
It's something that we've now got to get out of our system. We're going to have difficult moments, but we have to shrug them off and go again. It's important that this club, and this group of players and staff, show that fighting mentality. We don't score enough goals, but we have to step up now and be together. The players have got to step up, the coaches have got to step up and we have to make sure everyone's fighting in the right direction to keep this team in the league.
On togetherness and a fighting mentality being crucial in the last 13 games of the season…
It is important. We've had tough moments already. Tonight's a tough moment, and now it's important that when we come back to training on Monday we have a fantastic week's worth of work. Then we can look forward to that challenge next Saturday against Millwall.
I'm learning about the group. I'm learning who's ready for the fight. I'm really looking forward to the work on the training pitch. I can see areas that we can improve on, and I know we can do that. The hard work starts now to make sure we stay in this league. I knew the lads had that fighting spirit, that never-say-die attitude. And that's [one reason] why I wanted to come to the club. Now we've just got to give them that confidence and belief that we can go anywhere and do well and win games.
On looking ahead to vital time on the training pitch…
Yes, definitely [eager to get to work in training]. You look at the two or three goals that we conceded this evening; we didn't defend the box properly. We didn't win enough duels. We didn't put our bodies on the line and that's all stuff that we can work on. That's why I'm excited about working with this group. I know they're hungry to make sure we stay in the league. I know that we're really looking forward to playing at Pride Park next week in front of 30,000 and having that 12th man.
On preparing for his first home game in the dugout at Pride Park for the visit of Millwall on Saturday…
I know how powerful the fans can be. I can't wait to step out in front of them next week and have a team ready to compete and show that fighting spirit that's going to be needed. The fans were magnificent tonight. Derby fans are top, top draw and another reason why I've come to the club. I want to make them proud of this group. I know the group of players want to make them proud as well.
