Wayne Rooney wants his Derby County players to thrive on the pressure that lies on his side’s final 15 games of the 2021/22 season.
Despite being deducted 21 points for entering administration and historical breaches of the EFL’s profitability and sustainability rules, the Rams are still in with a chance of remaining in the Sky Bet Championship.
Their form over the course of recent months has put them within four points of safety and with a vastly superior goal difference compared to the sides around them.
That figure could change in midweek with the two teams directly above them, Peterborough United and Reading, going head-to-head on Wednesday evening - but regardless of that outcome of that match Derby have offered hope that they could pull off what many regard as a miracle.
Next up for Derby is a home fixture against Peterborough on Saturday (3pm kick-off) to start a run of three home matches from their next five league outings.
With pressure riding on each fixture, Rooney wants his players to embrace the challenge that lies ahead of them.
“There is pressure on every game, we know that,” Rooney told RamsTV after the Middlesbrough defeat.
“This is a big one for us; we have to go and pick up maximum points and as many points as we can - and it starts on Saturday.
“You always want to play as soon as possible after a defeat, but this week is a chance for the lads to reenergise, rest their bodies and rest theirs minds.
“For us as the management staff and coaches, we will get them prepared for a huge game.”
Derby will head into this weekend’s fixture at Pride Park Stadium looking to continue their excellent run of form in front of their own fans, having won four and drawn one of their last five home matches.
