Derby County manager, John Eustace, has expressed his concerns over the team’s anxious start to the season, after a difficult opening stretch left the club struggling to find consistency.
In recent comments, the former Birmingham City boss acknowledged that his squad had not lived up to expectations, with several factors contributing to a performance level far below the club’s potential.
“There’s a lot of anxiety in the squad at the moment,” Eustace admitted following Derby’s disappointing 2-1 loss against Peterborough United. “We’ve got a talented group, but they’re not showing the confidence we need to get the best out of them.”
The anxiety that Eustace referred to has been evident in Derby’s early performances this season. Despite being widely tipped as one of the teams to challenge for promotion, the Rams have found themselves unable to string together a series of positive results. Their defense has been porous, allowing costly goals in tight situations, while their attacking play has lacked the cutting edge necessary to break down stubborn defenses.
Eustace has worked hard to instill a philosophy of pressing football and solid defensive structure, but it’s clear that the transition from theory to execution has been far from smooth. With numerous new signings, the team is still adjusting to the system, and the manager has hinted that cohesion remains an ongoing process. “We’re still getting to know each other,” he said, referring to both the playing staff and his tactical adjustments. “It’s a new journey, and while I expect us to be better, these things take time.”
One of the key issues Eustace has been dealing with is a lack of composure in critical moments. Against Peterborough, Derby looked promising early but faltered when the pressure mounted. The team appeared to lose its rhythm after conceding the opening goal, and Eustace believes that the players’ nerves got the better of them. “We need to show more maturity and resilience. At this level, you can’t afford to let setbacks knock your confidence,” he stated.
Looking ahead, Eustace remains optimistic that Derby can find their feet, but he knows that the club’s aspirations for the season will require significant improvement. “We’re going to need to work through this tough period, but I believe in this squad. The quality is there. Now, it’s about showing mental strength and getting that first win under our belts,” he concluded.
With a tricky set of fixtures ahead, Derby’s season will depend heavily on how quickly they can address their anxiety and start playing with the confidence their manager believes they possess.
