After Derby County’s 4-1 loss against Millwall, John Eustace didn’t hold back while criticising their defence. He feels he will have enough time as head coach to turn things around.
Following Derby’s crushing defeat at the New Den by Alex Neil’s team, which left striker Sam Szmodics feeling “embarrassed,” pressure is growing. Millwall won the first half thanks to a terrible 20 minutes in which Luke Cundle and Kyrell Lisbie both scored twice.
Just weeks after being humiliated 4-0 at QPR, it was a terrible afternoon in the capital, with Jake Cooper making it four in the second half before Filip Bilbija grabbed a consolation goal.
Speaking following the game, Eustace was certain of the main reason for their downfall.
Derby County player ratings versus Millwall, as terrible Rams thrash and pressure rises.
Millwall defeats Derby County 4-1 in live action, with Cooper scoring four goals, Bilbija scoring one, and Ozoh injured.”We just didn’t defend well enough,” he admitted. “The first goal was just too easy. We let the lad to cut in with his right foot, and we need to improve our defence. “We lost too many duels in the first 20 minutes, which is the complete opposite of last week at Sheffield United.””With a makeshift back four, it will be challenging, but we must improve from the first 20 minutes.”I believe we defended poorly today, despite the fact that we’ve been working hard on the training pitch all week. We’ve had to relocate individuals around. Max’s late arrival will cause difficulties, but there is no excuse.
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“The defending has to be better in that first 20 minutes, and it wasn’t.”
Derby are now in the bottom three, raising the prospect of relegation this season, just five months after finishing on the edge of the play-offs.
Injuries have had a devastating impact on the defence, depriving them of Matt Clarke, Sondre Langas, and Eiran Cashin, while Dion Sanderson has been suspended.
With Patrick Agyemang and Matt Clarke returning next month, Derby will gain some crucial players back. When asked if he would have enough time to play his strongest XI, Eustace replied, “Hopefully.” But it all comes down to results, and we haven’t had enough in the first 12/13 games, so we’ll have to wait and see.”
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