John Eustace says he feels no pressure after Derby County's heavy 4-1 defeat at Queens Park Rangers left the club second from bottom in the Championship. The Rams' head coach took responsibility for the result, which leaves his side 23rd with just six points from ten games, and called for an immediate response.
Eustace expressed his anger and frustration after the match at Loftus Road on Wednesday. "I don't feel the pressure," he told reporters. "I feel frustrated and angry, simple as that."
The game was disrupted early when centre-back Sondre Langas was forced off with a groin injury after just ten minutes, forcing Ryan Nyambe into an unfamiliar central defensive role. Derby conceded four times, with a late consolation goal from Lars-Jørgen Salvesen. The team has struggled to keep clean sheets, having conceded at least one goal in each of their last 12 league matches.
Looking ahead to Stoke
Eustace now turns his attention to Saturday's home game against eighth-placed Stoke City, a fixture he sees as a chance to bounce back. No players are due to return from injury, but the head coach highlighted the players' desire to put things right in front of a home crowd. Derby will be looking to replicate their 2-0 win over Stoke from last April.
The head coach believes the squad is ready to respond. He said the players were down after the QPR display but are excited and ready to go. With the club's current standings showing a precarious position, the need for points is urgent. The next opportunity comes against Stoke City at Pride Park on Saturday. Eustace emphasised the need for a collective effort, stating that the responsibility to improve the team's goal difference, which stands at minus 10, lies with everyone at the club.
Background and full detail: bbc.co.uk
John Eustace confirmed Sondre Langas will be out for around 12 to 13 weeks after groin surgery. The manager described it as a "big blow" and said the club is down to one fit centre-back in Dion Sanderson. Derby, 23rd with six points, host Stoke City on Saturday. Eustace called for togetherness, stating, "When we're in trouble, this is where the Derby County family has got to stick together."
Derby fans have voiced their frustration after the 4-1 defeat at QPR. One supporter, Steve, said the team showed 'no passion, no desire, no creativity, no shape.' Another, Andy, questioned the manager, stating, 'Maybe time to change John Eustace.' The loss, which saw goals from Alfie Lloyd, Nicolas Madsen, Harvey Vale and Paul Smyth, leaves the Rams 23rd in the Championship with six points from ten games. They host Stoke City on Saturday.
