After a rough start to life as Derby County boss with a disappointing 4-0 thrashing away to QPR, John Eustace has spoken out about his feelings ahead of his first game in the dugout at Pride Park on Saturday.
Taking the early kick-off spot at home against Millwall, Eustace is hoping to change the Rams’ fortune around after the nightmare start at Loftus Road.
Derby, currently sat in 22nd, are just one point away from safety with Eustace making the change to the club he formerly played at after believing in the longer-term project. But despite the first loss is seeking the backing of Rams fans.
On preparing for his first home game, Eustace said: “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 [at QPR]. 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.”
Despite the noise of the crowd, Derby still faces a somewhat difficult run of games, after Millwall they’ll make a trip to the North East to Middlesbrough, followed by Eustace’s former club Blackburn coming to Derby with a point to prove against their old boss.
After the loss in London, he’s hoping the squad will be able to move past the tough result and pick up in form. Speaking after the match he said: “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.
“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’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.”
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