Manager Phillip Cocu believes his Derby County side are ready for the new 2019/20 Sky Bet Championship season.
Cocu, who has been in charge of the Rams for a month now, has not had long to prepare his side for the start of the season but feels his team are in good shape.
The Rams had a productive 10-days in Florida where they beat Sarasota Metropolis and Bristol City in pre-season friendlies, whilst back on British soil, they faced three teams who made it a competitive encounter.
With anticipation mounting, the manager is feeling good ahead of the opening game against Huddersfield Town.
“I’m very positive and we’ve done a lot of hard work with the team,” he told RamsTV.
“We have had a good build-up of games and minutes to physically get where we need to be in the 90 minutes approach so I think we are ready to start playing official league games.
“Pre-season is a lot of double sessions, more training sessions than usual and now, when we are approaching official games, the intensity is a little bit lower, the training is slightly different matter as we prepare for the game and then the atmosphere in the team changes and focuses on the start on Monday.”
It’s been a hectic month for the manager as he has had to familiarise himself with the players, staff and the club.
Whilst it’s a short space of time, Cocu is satisfied with where his team are at.
“Sometimes you like to have a little bit more times, six or seven weeks of preparation, but on the other hand, you have to deal with the circumstances,” he said.
“We came in as soon as possible to get our philosophy across. The players are really open for how we want to work and train so it makes it easier. I am satisfied with how we work together.”
Monday will be the first time the Dutchman steps out as manager of Derby County in a competitive fixture and he cannot wait for it.
“It’s been some time but I’m excited for it now especially now when the official games come around,” he commented.
“It’s not only for the players, but for my staff as well because it’s a special feeling.”
