Phillip Cocu has backed John Eustace to turn things around at Derby County, saying he sees no problem with the current manager's position. The former Rams boss made his comments as the club sits 22nd in the Championship with just four points from seven games, following a 1-2 home defeat to Birmingham City.
Cocu, who managed Derby between 2019 and 2020, was speaking on the BBC's Football Daily podcast. He addressed the mounting pressure on Eustace after a run of three consecutive losses. "I don't see any issue with John Eustace," Cocu said. "I think he's a good manager. He's got good experience, he knows the league."
Pressure builds after Birmingham loss
The public show of support comes at a critical time. Derby's latest setback was a 1-2 loss to Birmingham at Pride Park on Saturday, 12 September. Bobby Clark had given the Rams a 40th-minute lead, but goals from Carlos Vicente and Paik Seung-Ho either side of half-time secured the points for the visitors. That result extended a miserable run where Derby have lost four of their last five matches, conceding 13 goals while scoring only six.
The club's current league standing is a stark concern. With a record of one win, one draw and five defeats, they are 10 points adrift of early leaders West Ham United. Their next challenge is a trip to face Burnley, who are 24th, on Saturday, 19 September.
Cocu points to broader challenges
Cocu suggested the club's difficulties may stem from factors beyond the manager's touchline decisions. He pointed to the broader context at Pride Park, including the high-profile investment from Saudi Arabia's Royal Court adviser Turki Alalshikh earlier this year. "Sometimes it's not only about the manager," the Dutchman explained. "There's a lot of changes at the club, new ownership, new players. It takes time to gel."
He also highlighted the injury list currently affecting squad options. Key defenders Craig Forsyth and Matt Clarke are sidelined, alongside full-back Derry Murkin and forward Rhian Brewster. Their absence is being felt, with the team having kept just one clean sheet so far this season. For the latest on player availability, check our injuries section.
Eustace's task ahead
The current campaign represents his first full season under the new ownership structure. Despite the poor start, Cocu believes continuity is key. "He needs time to implement his ideas," Cocu stated. "The Championship is a very tough league. You can have a bad run of games, but it's about how you react."
The immediate reaction must come at Turf Moor this weekend. A meeting with another struggling side, Burnley, offers a direct opportunity to climb out of the bottom three. Derby's last victory was a 2-0 win at Portsmouth on the first of September, and ending that five-game wait for another win is now the urgent priority for Eustace and his players.
