Rooney worried as his Rams slide into trouble once again
WAYNE ROONEY admitted Derby’s slump is worrying him as they slide back towards relegation trouble.
Max Biamou’s 11th-minute goal for the hosts condemned the Rams to another defeat.
They have now won just one of their last five and boss Rooney said: “I’m not silly, I know this run of form can’t continue.
“We have to get back to picking points up, winning games.”
Rooney has a tough job ending the poor run with a trip to Barnsley looming on Wednesday.
Derby have lost four of their last five away games and are now six points above the drop zone with Rotherham having two games in hand on them.
It’s getting tight once more after England legend Rooney had inspired a climb up the Championship when he took over as boss.
“In my time since coming in as manager I have said we will not be in the bottom three come the end of the season,” Rooney added.
“But we have to seriously start performing better and picking up points.
“There’s not too much leeway between us and the bottom, but I’m not looking for leeway, I’m looking for performances.
“It’s a challenge for us and it’s a challenge we have to stand up to and be accountable, be ready for that challenge.
“Knowing the players, we will get through this mini slump and get back to winning games.”
It didn’t look like it yesterday as Coventry took control and largely ran the game, pulling level with the Rams on
38 points.
The Sky Blues’ goal was a gimme, as full-back Nathan Byrne gave the ball away with an attempted crossfield pass.
Callum O’Hare intercepted and fed Biamou with a through ball that he hammered past Rams goalkeeper Kelle Roos.
Derby’s Patrick Roberts threatened with his trickery and had a shot saved.
That, plus Matt Clarke’s blocked shot, were as good as Derby got in the first half. Matty James nearly added to Coventry’s lead in the
64th minute with a
30-yarder that smacked against the post, while Derby could only circle the Sky Blues without much hint of danger.
“It is a massive win, it’s huge,” said Coventry manager Mark Robins, whose side are 20th, one place behind the Rams.
“Derby are a big club, make no mistake, and shouldn’t be anywhere near the same points as us.
“But this was just rewards for a really good performance.
“We’ve got to take belief and commitment into the rest of the season and we will be absolutely fine.”
The Sky Blues head to Rotherham on Saturday.