Liam Rosenior believes Derby County’s League One clash with high-flying Peterborough United this weekend will be a ‘massive and huge test’ for his players.
Derby will host Grant McCann’s side at Pride Park Stadium on Saturday 27th August (3pm kick-off) in their third home league fixture of the season.
Rosenior has stressed that the Rams will need to maintain their strong level of performance if they are to record a fourth successive home win in all competitions this term.
Derby’s Interim Manager spoke to RamsTV on Thursday afternoon to discuss the latest news from Moor Farm Training Ground in the lead-up to Saturday’s match, offer his reaction to facing Carabao Cup holders Liverpool in Round Three and the latest injury situation.
On Drawing Liverpool Away In The Carabao Cup…
I’m obviously delighted. The first thing one of my kids said to me was: Can you get me Mo Salah’s shirt! In all seriousness, it’s fantastic. It’s how football can change; we had everything we went through last year and now we have a trip to Liverpool to look forward to. I am sure we will have a large following at what is a Cathedral of football. I have been lucky to go to Anfield to watch matches and play there too, so it will be amazing occasion personally for me to manage there. I hope we go there and do ourselves justice. The game is so far away for us though, it isn’t until November, and we have some massive games coming up – starting with Peterborough United at Pride Park on Saturday. All our focus must be on the matches we have coming up to get as many points as possible on the board.
On The Players Giving Him Food For Thought With Recent Performances…
The players have given me a lot to think about since pre-season and it is going to be difficult to pick the team this weekend. It is a positive thing, though. The great thing about this season is the impact of the substitutes in each match. It isn’t just about the starting line-up, it’s about all 18 players. You want the lads that start to get you in a place or position to win the game, but the finishers and players that can make a real difference at the end are a massive part of the team. Being able to use five substitutes from seven now makes a considerable difference too. As a coach and manager, you need to evolve and adapt to the new rules, using them in a positive way, and we’ve got the right mentality, understanding and engagement from every player in the group. I don’t want any player here happy to be on the bench, but as a manager you must look at the bigger picture and it isn’t about picking a team to win it’s actually a squad to get the victory you want. Every single player is important. I am delighted with the lads and different aspects of every performance so far and we’ll need another good one on Saturday against a very strong side at this level.
On James Chester Stepping Up His Comeback From Injury…
He is looking really good. He’s out doing his individual work at the moment on the grass. He is doing well and he was running whilst we were training today. It was great to see him and we can’t wait to have him back in the group. He is another outstanding footballer for this level and he knows when he does come back, it will be difficult to get into the side because the lads with the shirt are performing brilliantly. Everyone is fighting for the shirt and long may it continue.
On Curtis Davies’ Progress In His Rehabilitation Work…
Curtis is on track and doing well. He is around the group and attending matches, offering his support and being positive. James Chester has been doing the same and David McGoldrick likewise when he was out. Those guys have a huge influence on the culture we want here and giving those young players the advice that they need early in their careers.
On Peterborough United And The Threat They’ll Pose…
This is a massive and huge test for us. It will be another great benchmark and they’ve started the season really well. I know Grant McCann well as we were in digs together as young players at West Ham United. It is great to see him doing so well in his managerial career and we know they have real attacking qualities. We know about Jack Marriott and his qualities, Jonson Clarke-Harris is a very good player at this level and Joe Ward is someone I know from my time at Brighton too. We know their strengths and I am sure they will know ours too. It will be a difficult game and ultimately it will be about who performs best on the day. If we perform to the same level that we have been, it will give us a real good chance of winning the game and we must be confident going into it. You shouldn’t go into any football match with fear, you should go out looking to enjoy what you are doing and be on the front foot and aggressive.
