Bogle focus was not good enough
PHILLIP Cocu questioned the focus of young Derby County defender Jayden Bogle after the 1-1 draw against Huddersfield Town.
Tom Lawrence fired the Rams ahead with a brilliant strike in the second half only for Harry Toffolo to equalise nine minutes from time in the Championship clash at Pride Park Stadium.
The Huddersfield goal came after Bogle made a weak defensive header only minutes after coming off the bench to replace the injured Andre Wisdom.
The 19-year-old had been left out of the team following the midweek defeat to Bristol City.
“We are disappointed because we had to get the three points today,” said Cocu.
On the goal they conceded, he added: “It was bad defending. It is never one mistake or one bad judgement, it is normally a few.
“It starts with the clearance with the header, Bogle, it’s a very easy header and he gives it away. Then he doesn’t push him (Toffolo) to the outside - just basic.
“For me, it confirmed that he maybe was upset that he didn’t play but you have to put your ego aside when your team and your team-mates need you. You have to be 100% focused in the game. It was obvious that was not good enough from his side.
“But then there were some other bad judgements and mistakes made (on the goal) and eight minutes from time they (Huddersfield) get an equaliser and that was really not necessary because we had to fight to get control of the game, to find gaps and spaces to play.
“It took some time but we got better in the game and played more in their half. We scored a good goal and, after the goal, we played better. The confidence went up, the passing tempo was higher and we should have scored a second goal. It is crucial if you score a second goal. “I am disappointed with the last part of the game.”
Asked if Bogle is fully focused or lacking in confidence, Cocu said: “I don’t think confidence is a problem with Jayden. He is a confident player and, as a right fullback, he has a lot of
Phillip Cocu potential going forward.
“That is OK but he has to learn in the game of football if you are a defender you have a big responsibility to the team. You also have to defend, not only Bogle, everybody.
“It is not easy to come on in a game. We had to change it. I don’t like to change defenders when it is not necessary but Wisdom had a hamstring problem and he had to come off.
“Then you have to really switch on and be aggressive and come in the tempo of the game. If you are a winger or a striker it is different because the whole team is behind you. But this is something he (Bogle) has to improve in his game.”
Bogle is in his second season in senior football, having enjoyed an impressive debut season last season when he was named Derby’s young player of the year.
“I think always the second season, especially if you play a lot, it is harder. Expectations and responsibilities in the team change,” said Cocu.
“I don’t like to blame one player but there is a part of him that can have a very big career.
“At his age he has played a lot of games and he has some really specific qualities but he has to show he is open and willing to improve the parts of his game he has to improve.
“This season it is a little bit more curvy and the last two games (against Swansea and Bristol City) were not like he can play, so this was the reason why he did not start against Huddersfield.”
He has to learn in the game of football if you are a defender you have a big responsibility to the team.