Players have to forget all about the opponent
MANAGER TELLS HIS RAMS TO MIND THEIR OWN BUSINESS IN BIG GAME AGAINST BEES
PHILLIP Cocu has told his Derby County players to concentrate on improving their own performances when they take on in-form Brentford today (12.30pm).
The Rams’ manager has added his name to the growing list of admirers the Bees have won this season. They head into today’s game in third place – five points behind West Bromwich Albion and six behind Leeds United.
But a draw at home to Nottingham Forest and a defeat away to West Brom has stalled Derby’s push for a play-off place and Cocu says getting their own house back in order.
“We don’t have the luxury of thinking about other games, rivals or anything else,” he told Ramstv.
“Many teams are fighting for the sixth place in the table, to get into a play-off spot, so we know what we have to do.
“That’s the only focus and job we have. Don’t think about anything else; we just focus on the game and try to get a good result.
“It’s a challenge again for us and we will try to get a good result against one of the top teams – and the next opportunity is Saturday.”
Cocu was unhappy with his team’s lack of penetration in the 2-0 defeat to the Baggies on Wednesday. They did not manage a single effort on target in the game.
But he knows Brentford are a tough side to be facing right now.
“Brentford are in excellent form at the moment,” said Cocu.
“They are a good team and they play very good football. They have great combination with the young talented players, skilful individuals and the intensity in which they play.
“They play with high intensity, can press, defend well, have good organisation and they are a strong team.
“Like we could see in our game against West Bromwich Albion, always in those games the details will decide if you win or not. Hopefully, we can progress and be more of a threat in the final third.
“We had a lot of possession against West Brom but we had a lack of power up front to hurt the opponent, that’s what our game is about.
“We play our game to get in good positions up front and it was not easy against them, so we have to improve that part of the game against Brentford.”
The date for Derby’s Championship showdown with Leeds United has been switched after it was selected for live television coverage on Sky Sports.
The match at Pride Park Stadium was scheduled for 3pm on Saturday, July 18, but will now take place on Sunday, July, 19 (2pm).
We don’t have the luxury of thinking about other games, rivals or anything else
Phillip Cocu