Derby County suffered a 3-1 defeat to Freiburg in a pre-season friendly despite Carlton Morris finding the net. The Rams, who finished 8th in the Championship last season with 69 points, continue their preparations for the new campaign.

What happened in the match?

Carlton Morris gave Derby County an early lead with a well-taken finish, but Freiburg responded with three goals to secure victory. The German side dominated possession and created more clear-cut chances, exposing some defensive vulnerabilities in the Rams' backline.

Why it matters for Derby County

This friendly provides valuable minutes for Derby's squad ahead of the new Championship season. With the team finishing 26 points behind leaders Coventry last term, manager Paul Warne will be looking to address defensive issues and build momentum before the competitive action begins.

What comes next for Derby County?

Derby County will now focus on their remaining pre-season fixtures as they aim to improve their defensive record. Last season, they scored 67 goals but conceded 59, highlighting the need for greater solidity at the back. The Rams will be hoping to challenge for a top-six finish this time around.

Player spotlight: Carlton Morris

Morris' goal will be a positive for Derby fans, with the striker looking to build on his form from last season. His ability to find the net will be crucial as the Rams look to improve on their 8th-place finish and push for promotion contention.