Cocu proud of team spirit but pressure still on
BOSS PRAISES CHARACTER OF RAMS DESPITE ANOTHER LEAD SLIPPING AWAY
PHILLIP Cocu said he was was proud of the character shown by his players in Derby County’s 1-1 draw against unbeaten Bournemouth.
Graeme Shinnie put Derby ahead in the first half but substitute Rodrigo Riquelme equalised for the home side in the 81st minute.
Derby would have regained the lead but Bournemouth captain Steve Cook somehow blocked Lee Buchanan’s drive on the goalline.
“I think we had an excellent start, on the front foot and they really struggled to find the solution against us,” Cocu said.
“The way we pressed them gave us a lot of options to be dangerous in front of their goal.
“It was just a pity we couldn’t score the second goal, we knew it, and you also know if you look at their squad and their team, they are a really strong side, and that is what we saw in the second half. They pushed us back, it was more difficult to get out.
“On some occasions we did, but did not make the right decisions but I think again it shows the character in the team, for me it is really impressive.
“We all know we are in a difficult situation at this time but when they scored the goal, still we found the energy and belief to try to get a goal to win the game and we were really close, it was a remarkable save on the line with his face (by defender Steve Cook).
“In the end, I think this is a fair result.”
The Rams have back-to-back games at Pride Park Stadium this week as they look to give their home form a much-needed lift.
They have the second worst home record in the Championship.
Cocu’s side have picked up only one point from four League matches on their own turf – one point more than Preston North End, who have lost all five home League fixtures.
Now Derby face Queens Park Rangers at Pride Park Stadium on Wednesday before Barnsley visit on Saturday.
Cocu knows the importance of the next two games, having seen his team win only one of nine League matches this season.
“For us, it is very important what we do next week,” he said.
“We have two home games, if we can get good results in those games then this (the draw at Bournemouth) is a valuable point because an unbeaten streak gets real value.
“That is what I have told the players, so we know what we have to do next week – continue in the way we play but make sure the home record improves.”
Cocu admits there is pressure as the Rams sit in the bottom three of the Championship.
Asked if he felt the pressure building on him, Cocu said: “There is
always pressure – pressure in the media, pressure maybe from fans but also from ourselves, of course.
“The position we are at, we know we are in a tough situation, especially when you are not used to being in this position.
“It means we all have to give a little bit more, be united as a team, take a look back at the games we play, learn from the small details we can improve still but also look at the improvements we made as a team.
“I think we grow as a squad with quite a few new players in and players who have been out for quite some time. Yes, we have to work hard every day.”