[FM19] Derby County - Director of Football Challenge

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 4 December 2019

SALISBURY LOAN MINKLEY

RamsFanzine: Igor Stimac confirms that 19-year old centre-back Callum Minkley has joined Vanarama National League South Salisbury until the end of the season.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 7 December 2019

Pre-match v Huddersfield Town (a) - Premier League (16)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: You've lost your last two away matches in the league. Can you get something out of your trip to The John Smith's Stadium?

Stuniverse: We hope so. That's what we've been working on all week and we'll do our best.

RamsFanzine: A familiar face today in blue and white. Do you expect Bryson to cause you problems?

Stuniverse: Craig Bryson was a great servant for this club and it will be nice to see him again. We've thoroughly prepared for this match and are confident of getting a result against Huddersfield.

Team Selection

RamsFanzine: Gomez has served his suspension but isn't in the 18. Why's that?

Stuniverse: Gustavo Gomez is at home with an illness, unfortunately, but we're hopeful he'll be back training with us next week.

RamsFanzine: Four other changes today, three across the attacking line behind the striker.

Stuniverse: Yes. It's a bit of a blow having to swap all three but needs must. Tom Lawrence is suspended which gives Martyn Waghorn an opportunity. Domingos Quina comes back in for Bradley Johnson and Mason Mount was looking a bit tired so Amato Ciciretti starts. Max Aarons returns at right-back, in place of Jayden Bogle.

Post-match: Huddersfdield Town (1) 3-1 (0) Derby County

RamsFanzine: You got caught cold, didn't you?

Stuniverse: Yes. I can't argue with that. To concede a goal after barely two minutes was very disappointing.

RamsFanzine: You made two substitutions at half-time. That's not like you?

Stuniverse: It wasn't working at all in the first half. The shape wasn't right, there was no cohesiveness to our play, I think changing all three behind Jack Marriott back-fired. So Mason Mount came on to try and get our normal shape and rhythm back. Max Aarons had a poor game so I sent Jayden Bogle on as well.

To be fair, I thought we looked a lot better after the break and it was unfortunate Lossl was in fine form in their goal. The longer the match went on, the more we had to chase the game and that left us open at the back.

RamsFanzine: Results elsewhere mean you stay 16th.

Stuniverse: That's good, but right now it doesn't feel like much consolation. We weren't good enough today. Probably, for the first time this season, we weren't good enough. We have to do better than that.

Edited May 3, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Irobinson69]

Doing a cracking job their @Stuniverse, considering Igor didn’t do much for you in the transfer market. I’m sure as the team beds in more you’ll pull away from the relegation zone.

Bogle did a decent job for me after a rough start to Premier League life so stick with him. Not a world beater, but certainly good enough until you get a bigger budget in future seasons.

[Stuniverse]

3 hours ago, Irobinson69 said:

Doing a cracking job their @Stuniverse, considering Igor didn’t do much for you in the transfer market. I’m sure as the team beds in more you’ll pull away from the relegation zone.

Bogle did a decent job for me after a rough start to Premier League life so stick with him. Not a world beater, but certainly good enough until you get a bigger budget in future seasons.

Thank you, @Irobinson69. I hope you’re right. Our next match is against Manchester United. I have to admit the Premier League is proving a very difficult challenge so far.

I must admit it’s a difficult conundrum I have at RB. Jayden Bogle was going to be the player and I was going to give him plenty of playing time, but then Igor went and signed Max Aarons. Now Bogle, Max Lowe, Max Bird and even Mason Bennett, I suppose, fall into the category of young players I want to give playing time to so their development is helped, but with no breathing space at the bottom I find myself going for the experienced players who are better at this moment in time.

Edited May 3, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 16 December 2016

DERBY DROP INTO RELEGATION ZONE WITHOUT PLAYING

We had the weekend off and didn't play in this weekend's round of EPL fixtures and I'm not 100% sure why. Results elsewhere, have seen us back in the relegation zone in 18th place.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 16 December 2019

It looks like Tottenham Hotspur play Shanghai Shanggang of the Chinese Super League in the Club World Championship Semi-Final on Wednesday 18 December and the EPL cancelled their fixture this weekend.

The fixture has been rearranged for Tuesday 7 January 2020, following on from our F.A. Cup 3rd round tie against them.

Edited May 4, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 17 December 2019

PHILADELPHIA KEEN ON AJAYI

RamsFanzine: understand that Director of Football Igor Stimac has rejected a £300,000 bid from Philadelphia Union for centre-back Semi Ajayi.

Ajayi was a Stimac signing for Derby County last summer from Rotherham United. Ajayi made six league appearances for the Rams in their Championship promotion campaign, but hasn't played for the Rams this season.

RamsFanzine have heard from sources at the club that Rams manager Stuniverse doesn't think Ajayi has the ability to play in the Premier League and is keen for Stimac to offload the Nigerian international. It's thought Stimac rates Ajayi and doesn't share Stuniverse's opinion.

Edited May 4, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 18 December 2019

BROMLEY LOAN KNIGHT

RamsFanzine: Director of Football Igor Stimac has announced that Vanarama National League side Bromley have taken 18-year old midfielder Jason Knight on loan for the rest of the season.

Edited May 4, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Sunday 22 December 2019

Pre-match v Manchester United (H) - Premier League (17)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: It's been over two weeks since you last played and in that time all the teams around you have played two matches. How do you feel about that?

Stuniverse: Well it's not ideal, but it's out of our control. We've dropped back into the bottom three and a bit of a gap's opened up so it hasn't done us any favours at all and has made things more difficult for us.

RamsFanzine: Ole Gunnar Solksjaer brings his Man United team to Pride Park today. Does the fact that you gave them a good game at Old Trafford and only just lost by 2-1 give you confidence?

Stuniverse: It's going to be a fantastic match and we're aiming to perform well in front of a full house and the TV cameras. But it's still Manchester United. They're 6th and can go 4th with a win so it's going to be a tough match for us.

RamsFanzine: Tomorrow the team above you play the team below you when Leicester host Brighton. Does that add pressure to this match?

Stuniverse: No. Not really. We knew we'd be fighting to survive in our first season back in the Premier League so there's pressure on every match. 

Team Selection

RamsFanzine: You've made four changes today.

Stuniverse: Yes. We welcome Gustavo Gomez back after illness with Richard Keogh a little unfortunate to miss out. Tom Lawrence returns from suspension instead of Martyn Waghorn. Mason Mount starts again with Amato Ciciretti dropping to the bench. Finally I'm giving a start to young Max Lowe. Scott Malone wasn't anywhere near his best against Huddersfield so a break will probably do him good.

Post-match: Derby County (1) 3-0 (0) Manchester United

Stuniverse: Some days in football you just have to pinch yourself. My players were magnificent today. To a man, they were absolutely magnificent. Manchester United are a very good team and we beat them. But more than that, I thought we controlled the game and outplayed them today. Mason Mount, Domingos Quina and Harry Wilson will get the plaudits for their goals, and deservedly so, but every single player was magnificent. I'm so proud of them and I'm so pleased for our fantastic supporters. What a fabulous Christmas present for all Rams fans.

RamsFanzine: Was the result even more important knowing that anything other than victory would leave you in the bottom three with a gap opening up?

Stuniverse: Yes. Yeah, there is that but, honestly, you can't worry about things like that. Trying to get a result against Manchester United gave us more than enough to worry about. We never expected to win 3-0. Not in our wildest dreams. 

RamsFanzine: If Leicester beat Brighton tomorrow night you'll drop back into the relegation zone. Does that concern you?

Stuniverse: Look, all we can do is worry about what we can do ourselves. The rest is out of our hands. We have 17 points from 17 matches now. If we end the season with 38 from 38 we'll give ourselves a great chance of staying up. Huddersfield survived last season with 31 points. We're going to savour this tonight and then prepare for a tough trip to Bournemouth on Boxing Day.

Edited May 4, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 23 December 2019

FOXES ESCAPE RELEGATION ZONE

RamsFanzine: Derby County plunged back into the relegation zone tonight after Leicester City beat Brighton and Hove Albion 2-0. The result lifted the Foxes up to 14th with two points more than the Rams.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 24 December 2019

MACDONALD EXTENDS YEOVIL STAY

RamsFanzine: Yeovil Town have extended the loan of 22-year old left-back Calum Macdonald until the end of the season. Macdonald has made 21 appearances for League Two Yeovil Town already this season.

Edited May 4, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 25 December 2019

MERRY CHRISTMAS RAMS FANS - YOUNG RAMS LOAN EXTENSIONS

RamsFanzine: Director of Football Igor Stimac has confirmed he's extended the loans of a number of Rams youngsters until the end of the season. 

League One

• Josh Grant - Southend United
• Louie Sibley - Bristol Rovers
• Luke Thomas - Bristol Rovers

League Two

• Kellan Gordon - Port Vale
• Morgan Whittaker - Wycombe Wanderers
• Tyree Wilson - Blackpool

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Thursday 26 December 2019

Pre-match v AFC Bournemouth (a) - Premier League (18)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: It looks like there'll be a low turnout at the Madejski Stadium for your match against Bournemouth. Does that give you an advantage?

Stuniverse: It seems a bit odd travelling to Reading to play Bournemouth but good luck to them when they return to Bournemouth and their own stadium. I just hope someone's programmed our SatNav corretly. I believe there's a large contingent of Rams fans travelling down so, hopefully, it'll be easier for them to make themselves heard and give our players a massive lift.

RamsFanzine: You face the prospect of two games in three days. How do you prepare for that?

Stuniverse: Obviously it's going to be easier for those big teams with larger squads. We'll pick a team to try and win at Bournemouth and then we'll wait and see who's fit to play West Ham on Saturday and go from there.

Team Selection

RamsFanzine: No changes today. Were you tempted to mix it up at all?

Stuniverse: Obviously I gave it some thought. We talked about it as a staff. The players were magnificent against Manchester United - I may have mentioned that once or twice - and we thought they deserved to go again.

Post-match: AFC Bournemouth (1) 3-2 (1) Derby County

Stuniverse: We had 2,400 of our fans here in a crowd of just over 11,000. They sang their hearts out and I'm sorry we couldn't get a result for them.

RamsFanzine: The match stats suggest you had the better of it. Was it a case of a good performance not getting its rewards?

Stuniverse: Yes and no. Overall I thought  we played well and, arguably, had the better of it, but people read too much into statistics because the only stat that matters is goals scored. In that respect we didn't defend well enough. We have to defend better than we did today.

RamsFanzine: You had to substitute Mount in the first half. How is he?

Stuniverse: Mason's got a tight calf. He'll miss the West Ham game in two days, there' simply not enough time for him to recover, but he should be ok for the match after that.

RamsFanzine: Results elsewhere mean you're still outside the relegation zone.

Stuniverse: Well, that's something.

Edited May 4, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 28 December

Pre-match v West Ham United (H) - Premier League (19)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: West Ham are 5th and flying at the moment. How do you approach this game?

Stuniverse: To be honest, exactly the same as any other match. Manuel Pellegrini's side are up there on merit but it's mainly on the strength of their very impressive home form. They've been struggling away from home recently so we'll be looking to make our home advantage at Pride Park tell.

Team Selection

RamsFanzine: You've made six changes today. Is that because you played Bournemouth two days ago?

Stuniverse: Yes. It was a case of seeing which eleven players were fittest and then going from there.

RamsFanzine: Talk us through the changes.

Stuniverse: Sure. Scott Malone for Max Lowe, Richard Keogh for Gustavo Gomez, Jayden Bogle for Max Aarons, Tom Huddlestone for Domingos Quina, Mason Bennett for Mason Mount and Amato Ciciretti for Tom Lawrence.

Post-match: Derby County (2) 2-1 (1) West Ham United

Stuniverse: For saying we cobbled together a team today I'm thrilled to have won the match in front of a sellout crowd.

RamsFanzine: You did it the hard way, coming from behind like that.

Stuniverse: Yes. I thought the Hammers goal was against the run of play at the time but there was no denying the quality of Anderson's strike. But we kept going, battled for everything, and were in front by the break through the unlikely scorers Mason Bennett and Jayden Bogle. It was harder work after the break. West Ham took the game to us and forced us back for long periods, but we defended well. The substitutions freshened things up and we were pressing them back in the last quarter of an hour.

RamsFanzine: West Ham say the officials got the VAR decision wrong and their equaliser should have stood. What's your thoughts?

Stuniverse: From where I stood, admittedly not the best position, Batshuayi looked offside and the assistant on the far side did put his flag up straight away. You have to trust the VAR decisions. The goal was disallowed.

RamsFanzine: The win takes you up to 16th place. Congratulations.

Stuniverse: Thank you. It's still very tight and congested down there though.

Edited May 4, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Tuesday 31 December 2019

Pre-match v Leeds United (a) - Premier League (20)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: Leeds United are 7th and, after being promoted with you last season, are making life in the Premier League look easy. Why's that do you think?

Stuniverse: Well, for one thing, they spent £47.5 million in the summer, considerably more than we spent, but take nothing away from Marcelo Bielsa, I admit he's done a very good job so far.

RamsFanzine: You've struggled away from home this season losing seven and drawing two. What's it take to win away matches in the Premier League?

Stuniverse: I'll tell you when we win one [laughs]. Seriously, we're working hard and playing well. We're confident it's only a matter of time before we grab an away win. Elland Road would be a good place to start.

Team Selection

RamsFanzine: Another six changes.

Stuniverse: Yes. Today's team was probably the most difficult one to pick this season as everybody has played well over the festive period. Max Lowe's back for Scott Malone, Gustavo Gomez returns for Andre Wisdom, Max Aarons instead of Jayden Bogle, Domingos Quina for Alfred N'Diaye, Tom Lawrence for Mason Bennett and Mason Mount for Amato Cicaretti.

Post-match: Leeds United (0) 2-1 (1) Derby County

RamsFanzine: It was all looking so good for you at half-time. What went wrong?

Stuniverse: They brought Kemar Roofe on and, to be fair, he caused us a lot of problems. We did very well in the first half, and I didn't think we played any worse after the break, Leeds just took their chances and we didn't.

RamsFanzine: That's five straight away defeats now. Why are you finding picking up points away from Pride Park so difficult?

Stuniverse: It's the Premier League. The standard is incredibly high and it's unforgiving. Having said that, we're not playing badly and we're confident we'll get some results away from home soon. It's fine margins. Take today. Tom Lawrence rattles the crossbar late on when it's still 1-1. If Tom scores, we probably win 2-1. As it was, they win 2-1 with a wonder goal from Shackleton. We keep working on the training ground. We keep working hard.

RamsFanzine: At least you haven't dropped any places in the league, and you still have your game-in-hand.

Stuniverse: That's true. Although our game-in-hand is against Tottenham.

Edited May 4, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 1 January 2020

JANUARY TRANSFER WINDOW OPEN

TRIO TO LEAVE DERBY COUNTY

RamsFanzine: Derby County Director of Football Igor Stimac has confirmed deals for three Rams players to leave Pride Park.

Florian Jozefzoon, who has made three appearances for Derby County this season, will join Orlando City on 5 February 2020.

Semi Ajayi, who has't played for the Rams this season, will join Philadelphia Union on 5 February 2020.

Sven Karic, who was unable to break into the first team squad during his time at Derby County, will join NK Triglav Kranj on 13 January 2020.

Edited May 4, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 1 January 2020

SOUTHAMPTON EYE STUNIVERSE AS NEXT MANAGER

RamsFanzine: Following the sacking of Ralph Hasenhuttl, Southampton are believed to have identified Derby County manager Stuniverse as the leading candidate to take over the reins at St Mary's Stadium.

In an interview with GOAL, Stuniverse rubbished the links and it's hard to see why the Derby County manager, a lifelong Rams fan, would want to leave his dream job.

Stuniverse responded:

Edited May 4, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 2 January 2019

MOORE TO JOIN DERBY IN JUNE 2020

RamsFanzine: Igor Stimac has announced that Kilmarnock's 19-year old defender Nathan Moore will join Derby County on 9 June 2020 on a contract until 30 June 2021. Moore is currently on loan at Brackley Town in the Vanarama National League North.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 4 January 2020

Pre-match v Tottenham Hotspur (a) - F.A. Cup Round 3

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: You play Tottenham twice in the space of a few days in the FA Cup today and the Premier League on Tuesday. Is one more important than the other?

Stuniverse: We want to win every match we play, of course, but this is football and that's not going to happen, particularly in the Premier League. We'd love to progress in the FA Cup, who wouldn't, but the league match is by far the most important to us.

RamsFanzine: You've struggled away from home recently in the league. Does it help that this is a cup-tie?

Stuniverse: There's probably less pressure with it not being a league match but we're still away to a very good team who are second in the Premier League and will go top if they win either of their two games-in-hand.

Team Selection

RamsFanzine: Two changes today.

Stuniverse: Yes. Andre Wisdom comes in for Richard Keogh and Alfred N'Diaye replaces Domingos Quina. 

Post-match: Tottenham Hotspur (0) 2-0 (0) Derby County

Stuniverse: Mauricio Pochettino has some very good players at his disposable and I'll be honest they gave us the run around at times today - Ben Davies and Heung-Min Son in particular. We worked hard, and hung in there for about an hour, but then an outrageous piece of brilliance from Son put them in front, and it was always an uphill struggle after that.

RamsFanzine: Mount limped off again. How is he?

Stuniverse: Mason has a bruised foot. He won't be out long but Tuesday's match may come too soon for him.

RamsFanzine: Is there anything in the reports linking you with the Southampton job?

Stuniverse: Not from my end. Absolutely not. I was offered an interview but I turned it down. I've supported Derby County all my life and I have no intention of walking out on this great club.

Edited May 4, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 5 January 2020

RAMS FINANCES IMPROVE - STIMAC TO GET 75% OF TRANSFER REVENUE

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Tuesday 7 January 2020

Pre-match v Tottenham Hotspur (H) - Premier League (21)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: Tottenham are second, two points behind Manchester City, with two games-in-hand. Spurs know if they win tonight, they go top. You couldn't have asked for a more difficult game-in-hand than this?

Stuniverse: [laughs] No. It's going to be a very difficult challenge for us tonight. If we win though, we'll climb to 14th, five points clear of the relegation zone.

RamsFanzine: Spurs have already beaten you in both cups at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. What have you got to do to get a result against them?

Stuniverse: Stop Heung-Min Son if we can [laughs]. Seriously though they do have quality players in every position, but we're at home this time, and we'll be trying our best to get something out of the game.

Team Selection

RamsFanzine: Three changes today.

Stuniverse: Yes. Mason Mount misses out with his bruised foot and Tom Lawrence and Jayden Bogle were looking fatigued. In come Martyn Waghorn, Domingos Quina and Jayden Bogle.

Post-match: Derby County (2) 3-1 (0) Tottenham Hotspur

Stuniverse: Wow! I don't know what else to say... just wow. The odds were against us going into this one, Tottenham were big favourites to win and go top, but we won and go 14th... I think 14th... somewhere around there...

RamsFanzine: 14th. Yes. 14th.

Stuniverse: The players were just magnificent again. After being well-beaten by Tottenham only a few days ago, to turn it around and beat an even stronger Tottenham team tonight, well that was something special. And I don't think anybody can deny we deserved it. Hugo Lloris in their goal was far busier than Orestis Karnezis in ours. Domingos Quina and Harry Wilson scored in the first-half, but Jack Marriott's goal, barely two minutes after the restart, really gave us belief.

RamsFanzine: That's five wins and a draw in your last six home matches, whereas you've lost your last six away matches. What do you put that down to?

Stuniverse: I don't know, really... I wish I did. All I can think of is our wonderful fans. We've sold out every home match this season and  just think the vocal backing of over 30,000 Rams fans lifts the players to another level. I don't say this enough but we all appreciate the support of the fans and I can assure each and every one of them that when they get behind us at Pride Park it really does make a difference.

RamsFanzine: That puts you 14th, five points clear of the relegation zone. Breathing space at last. How does that feel?

Stuniverse: It feels great but, as if we needed any reminding of how intense this Premier League is, we welcome Manchester City to Pride Park in our next match.

Edited May 4, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 8 January 2020

YEOVIL TOWN LOAN FRENCH

RamsFanzine: Igor Stimac confirms that 18-year old goalkeeper Sam French has joined League Two Yeovil Town on loan until the end of the season.

[Stuniverse]

Has anybody got any ideas how to improve our away form?

Home form: Pld 11, W 6, D 3, L 2, F 21, A 12, GD +9, Pts 21. EPL Home record = 9th.

Away form:  Pld 10, W 0, D 2, L 8, F 8, A 21, GD -13,  Pts 2. EPL Away record = 19th.

[Tajerio]

3 hours ago, Stuniverse said:

Has anybody got any ideas how to improve our away form?

Home form: Pld 11, W 6, D 3, L 2, F 21, A 12, GD +9, Pts 21. EPL Home record = 9th.

Away form:  Pld 10, W 0, D 2, L 8, F 8, A 21, GD -13,  Pts 2. EPL Away record = 19th.

I'm no tactics guru, but I'll offer what thoughts I have.

First, you've chosen a very aggressive style both with and without the ball.  When they're defending, your players are going to be frantically chasing after the ball, and they're going to get pulled out of shape doing it.  That's the price you pay for the gegenpress, but you have to ask yourself if Derby's players are really good enough to do it consistently in the Premier League.  And when they're attacking, you're asking them to make really quick decisions and to play a lot of risky passes--both from the TIs you've chosen and the roles and duties you've selected.  Again, you have to think about whether Derby really have the players to be playing high-tempo attacking football day in and day out at the top level.

Second, your shape, roles, and duties are giving you a couple of worrisome tactical weaknesses.  With three of the front four on attack duties, and the wingbacks effectively on support (Balanced mentality+automatic duty), there are going to be times when your attacking moves break down and you have five or six players level with or ahead of the ball.  The diagonal ball out to the winger on either flank is going to be on for your opponents a lot of the time , and then the pressing TIs will compound the situation, because your central players will sometimes charge out to the wing to put in a challenge instead of trying to keep shape and defend the middle.  But if you get attacked through the middle instead, you've still got potential problems, because you've either got Quina in there on an attack duty with the responsibility for half of midfield, or you've got poor Tom Huddlestone doing it, who might have all the will in the world but runs like a barge.  And again, they're not covering as much as they're aggressively challenging for the ball, which can leave you really exposed in midfield.   And lastly, your midfield isn't really linking defense and attack.  You have play out of defense ticked, but who are your defenders playing it to?  As an AP-A, and a stratum ahead of N'Diaye at DM-D, Quina's not going to offer him a good option for moving it forward, while the wingbacks are going to be pushing up the pitch.  Huddlestone's maybe a bit better at DLP, but then the breakdown just happens at a different place--because all of Huddlestone's options are well in front of him and making forward runs.  No one's going to be consistently dropping off that front four to help move the ball into attack by means other than Quina dribbling or someone playing a low-percentage ball. That 4-1-2-3 you broke out against Spurs addresses some of this--you've got three in midfield who can support one another, and you've toned down the attacking duties, which can help you maybe control the game a little better.

But these are general quibbles about the tactic that aren't specifically away form-related.  If I recall correctly, the principal differences between away and home matches are that the ME is slightly biased to the home side (because this reflects real life), and that teams will tend to set up a little more aggressively at home than away.  My guess, therefore, is that when you're at home, teams set up more conservatively, but not so conservatively as to park the bus, since you're not a high-rep side.  This might be the sweet spot for you--you can get on top of them with the gegenpress, but there's still space for you to utilize, and your players aren't closed down as aggressively, so they can find the space more often.  When you're away from home, however, teams come after you more, force more mistakes from your players, and take advantage of the weak spots in your tactic more aggressively. 

All this is just theorycrafting, though--to know how to fix things, you've really got to go back and and watch the highlights of where things break down with and without the ball from past matches.   That said, I suspect that inability to keep a solid defensive shape, excessively ambitious passing, and lack of cover after losing the ball in attack are going to be the main culprits.

[JaytheGreat]

First off I agree 100% with everything @Tajerio said, I just wanted to throw my own opinion in there. 

Let's start with formations, you've had good success using a more defensive midfield (DM and 2 CM triangle or a 2 DM formation). It may bring less of an attack but it should help that -13 GD. Also in my opinion (take it for what it's worth because I'm not a tactician at all, I'm a much better Team Builder) using a DLP and an attacking AP-A at the CM does not give you much help defending the middle, and as mentioned above Huddlestone doesn't really have the pace to keep up. Since you don't have Bryson to play a box to box role maybe someone like Bradley Johnson as a Ball Winning Midfielder would be better, although it would be a better idea to play him as a DM and not a CM. In attack it puts a lot of the offensive burden on your AP-A, the wingers, and Marriott but you should feasible be a little more solid at the back.   

The gegenpress is very risk with Derby, as they aren't the youngest or the fastest team. I always have my mentality set to counter unless I absolutely think I'm the the stronger team and since it's first season in the Premier League you will almost never be the strongest team. Outside of the attackers the team has a whole probably isn't the best with the gegenpress, you can obviously get good results with it, but your also going to get gashed, being more defensive in formation, mentality, and roles in theory should help with that. Although going more defensive and without a box to box presence hypothetically you will be asking Mount or Quina to spearhead most of your attacks/counterattacks.       

[Stuniverse]

Great insights @Tajerio and @JaytheGreat thanks. That’s given me plenty to think about.

That might also explain why Robin Sadler [Head Physio] frequently advises me that young players in midfield like Mason Mount and Domingos Quina and right-back Max Aarons are tired and in need of a rest. Jayden Bogle used to get that last season as well (as did Mount) but Bogle isn’t playing as much this season.

Oh, I’ve also had Frank Lampard [Chelsea manager] on the phone because he’s not happy that I’m playing Mason Mount outside of the agreed position. It appears Igor Stimac agreed we’d play Mount as a central midfielder during his loan spell which is where I play him in the 4-1-2-3 but in the (sort of) 4-2-3-1 I play him in the middle of the three behind the striker.

Edited May 5, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 10 January 2020

VEZO SNUBS RAMS

RamsFanzine understand from a Derby County club source that Ruben Vezo has snubbed a move to Derby County. Director of Football Igor Stimac had offered a contract to Vezo and our source says the Rams had thought he was going to sign.

Instead though, the 25 year old centre-back, who currently plays for Valencia, has opted to join Sevilla at the end of the season.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Sunday 12 January 2019

Pre-match v Manchester City (H) - Premier League (22)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: Manchester City lost top spot yesterday when Liverpool beat Huddersfield 1-0. Does that make them an even more dangerous opponent?

Stuniverse: It depends how they react to that but I'd expect them to be determined to beat us and regain top spot. They have world class players and a top, top manager in Pep Guardiola so, yes, we're expecting a very difficult challenge today.

RamsFanzine: You're unbeaten in your last eight home matches, having won five of your last six, including victories over Man United and Tottenham. Does that give you confidence?

Stuniverse: Yes. It does. We've been playing very well at home and got some great results but you can't get away from the fact that this is Manchester City we're talking about. A wounded Manchester City who got knocked off the top yesterday. We've worked hard in training and will give it our best shot.

Team Selection

RamsFanzine: How busy is your medical team at the moment?

Stuniverse: Busier than I'd like. Mason Bennett is ill. Jayden Bogle has a shin problem and isn't right. Max Bird is recovering from a groin issue and George Thorne is out longer with cruciate ligament damage.

RamsFanzine: Just the two changes today though?

Stuniverse: Yes. Mason Mount is back in for Tom Huddlestone and Max Aarons starts instead of Jayden Bogle.

Post-match: Derby County (0) 0-1 (1) Manchester City

Stuniverse: I suppose the top teams are going to have world class goalkeepers but I thought Ederson in their goal today was the difference. Well him and Kompany. I can't fault my players today; they gave it everything.

RamsFanzine: You hit the bar twice and Colidio could've tied it up late on.

Stuniverse: Yes. Domingos Quina and Mason Mount both hit the bar in the first half and Facundo Colidio had a great chance late on. But he wasn't the only one who found himself in a great position, only to be denied by Ederson.

RamsFanzine: Other results mean you stay 14th.

Stuniverse: Yes. We do. But it's tightened up down there. We'll have a couple of days off and then work hard on the training ground in preparation for our trip to Cardiff.

Edited May 5, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 16 January 2020

CICIRETTI REQUESTS LOAN TERMINATION

My thoughts: I'll admit I haven't given Amato Ciciretti as much playing time as he maybe merits (although I did set his squad status as 'Rotation' at the start of the season).

He's behind Harry Wilson on the right, and I also want to try and give Mason Bennett playing time down the right to aid his development. Down the left, Amato isn't as good and is behind Tom Lawrence and Martyn Waghorn.

I did consider terminating the loan but if anything should happen to Harry, then Amato is going to be first choice on the right and I need him for that contingency. If I'd terminated the loan, I'm not convinced Igor Stimac would bring in a replacement this window.

So I've promised Amato more playing time and he hopes I keep my word.

Edited May 5, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 17 January 2020

DERBY SIGN RODRIGUES

RamsFanzine: In a Press Conference at Pride Park, Director of Football Igor Stimac announced the signing of 25-year old Portuguese left-back Kevin Rodrigues. Rodrigues joins the Rams for an initial £1.9 million, from A.C. Milan, on a contract until the summer of 2023.

The signing raises questions about the futures of Scott Malone and Craig Forsyth at the club, as well as young Max Lowe.

Edited May 5, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 18 January 2020

BLACKPOOL LOAN WHELAN

RamsFanzine: Igor Stimac announced today that League Two Blackpool have loaned Callum Whelan until the end of the season.

Edited May 5, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

 

Game date: Monday 20 January 2020

Pre-match v Cardiff City (a) - Premier League (23)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: Cardiff City are 13 points behind you and cast adrift and you beat them 3-0 at Pride Park earlier this season. The Bluebirds have only won once since the beginning of September. Surely you must get your first away win in the Premier League today?

Stuniverse: We can't allow ourselves to get drawn into that kind of thinking. We'll be giving Nuno Espirito Santo and his players the same respect we give all our opponents. We've trained well, worked hard, and are confident of getting a result if we stick to our game plan.

RamsFanzine: Results elsewhere this weekend have seen you drop back to 17th, one place above the relegation zone. Does that increase the pressure on you to get a win at struggling Cardiff?

Stuniverse: We still have 16 matches left to play so the only thing we're thinking about at he moment is what we can do. If we win tonight, and we all know we're finding it difficult away from home in the Premier League, but if we do win then we climb back to 14th and that's what we'll be trying to do.

Team Selection

RamsFanzine: You've thrown your new signing straight in at the deep end despite Rodrigues not speaking English, why's that?

Stuniverse: Kevin Rodrigues has looked good in training and football is a universal language. Kevin already has over 100 career appearances so he knows how to play left-back and we think getting him playing, as well as the intensive language course he's on, is the best way to integrate Kevin into the squad.

RamsFanzine: One other change.

Stuniverse: Yes. Tom Lawrence comes back in for Martyn Waghorn.

Post-match: Cardiff City (2) 4-2 (0) Derby County

RamsFanzine: Can you believe you lost that game?

Stuniverse: Well, yes, because I stood there and watched it, but I know what you mean. We had far more shots than them, far more shots on target than them, and a lot more possession than them. Once again we came up against a goalkeeper in inspired form, fair play to Alex Smithies, he saved everything we threw at him, whereas everything they hit seemed to go in.

We didn't defend well enough tonight, it's as simple as that. In every other area I thought we played very well, but our defending wasn't anywhere near what it needs to be at this level. I thought the penalty for their second goal, right on the stroke of half-time, was a very harsh decision. Kevin Rodrigues hardly touches their player and he throws himself to the floor like he's been shot. Having said that, though, we need to defend better than that.

RamsFanzine: Tactically it looked like you tried something a little bit different.

Stuniverse: Yes. I'd taken some advice from other FM managers (thanks @Tajerio and @JaytheGreat) in an attempt to get our first away in and, generally, I thought we looked much better. If we'd defended anything like we're capable of we would've won.

RamsFanzine: The defeat leaves you one place above the bottom three with a trip to second bottom Brighton coming up next. Can you turn your away form around for that one?

Stuniverse: We have to believe we can. We'll continue to put the hard work in on the training ground and we'll do our best to get a result at Brighton in eight days time.

Edited May 5, 2019 by Stuniverse

[coady]

You're doing an excellent job there & nice to see Igor making a move in the transfer window as well. On the road, I don't think changing shape is too important, but certainly less vigorous pressing and tackling seems to aid the formation, making you harder to break down.

Edited May 5, 2019 by coady

[Tajerio]

Unfortunate to see the tactical changes aren't reaping immediate dividends, but hopefully they'll come to fruition soon!

[JaytheGreat]

Excellent signing by Igor! Rodrigues looks like a very good all around LB, good crossing, good defensive attributes, along with good physicals . Well the tactical switch seems like it has a general improvement every where except were it's needed the most. Hopefully that changes soon.  

[Stuniverse]

8 hours ago, coady said:

You're doing an excellent job there & nice to see Igor making a move in the transfer window as well. On the road, I don't think changing shape is too important, but certainly less vigorous pressing and tackling seems to aid the formation, making you harder to break down.

Thanks @coady, that’s very kind of you to say. I don’t feel like I’m doing an excellent job, particularly after the Cardiff loss. I’m not sure I can rely on the good home form continuing and we just can’t seem to get results away from home.

[Stuniverse]

3 hours ago, Tajerio said:

Unfortunate to see the tactical changes aren't reaping immediate dividends, but hopefully they'll come to fruition soon!

Cheers, @Tajerio. I’m going to persevere as the old tactic(s) definitely weren’t working. The Cardiff match was one those where I just couldn’t believe what I was witnessing. We bossed them in everything except goals scored.

[Stuniverse]

1 hour ago, JaytheGreat said:

Excellent signing by Igor! Rodrigues looks like a very good all around LB, good crossing, good defensive attributes, along with good physicals . Well the tactical switch seems like it has a general improvement every where except were it's needed the most. Hopefully that changes soon.  

Thank you @JaytheGreat. Yes, Kevin Rodrigues looks like my #1 left-back, but it turns out he’s also very good at pushing attackers in the penalty area. I hope the changes show some benefit soon. Next match would be good as we badly need to beat second bottom Brighton at the AMEX.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 22 January 2020

BENNETT WANTS MORE PLAYING TIME

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Tuesday 28th January 2020

Pre-match v Brighton and Hove Albion (a) - Premier League (24)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: Brighton are 19th, four points behind you. This would be a great time to get your first way win of the season, wouldn't it?

Stuniverse: It would. You're absolutely right. But, as you know, we've found it very hard on the road this season and I'm sure Brighton's new manager, Steven Gerrard, will have made his players aware of that. We've had a good week in training and we're going to give everything in an attempt to get that first away victory.

Team Selection

RamsFanzine: Just the one change today.

Stuniverse: Yes. Looking at our back-four against Cardiff, I thought we needed a bit more experience at the back so our captain Richard Keogh comes back in for Andre Wisdom. Hopefully this will help Kevin Rodrigues as well.

Post-match: Brighton and Hove Albion (1) 1-1 (1) Derby County

RamsFanzine: You've ended your run of six away defeats on the spin, but could you have won it?

Stuniverse: It was one of those matches that was probably quite entertaining for the neutrals because it was end to end and both teams looked a threat. They could've won it. We could've won it. So, a draw was probably a fair result. Ironically, for saying it was an open game, it was the tale of two free-kicks early on. Pascal Gross scored a good one for them. Harry Wilson scored a good one for us.

RamsFanzine: You stay 17th, three points above the relegation. Next up it’s Newcastle who are two places and one point above you. That should be some game at Pride Park, shouldn't it?

Stuniverse: We have a lot of work to do between now and then but, yes, it's a game we're looking forward to and will go all out to win.

RamsFanzine: The transfer window shuts in three days time. Are you expecting Stimac to transact any more deals either ins or outs?

Stuniverse: I know Igor is always on his mobile, and he's working on a number of things, but nothing's close to being a done deal as far as I'm aware.

Edited May 5, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 31 January 2020

QUIET TRANSFER DEADLINE DAY FOR DERBY COUNTY

RamsFanzine: The January transfer window closed with no further ins or outs for Derby County.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 1 February 2020

Pre-match v Newcastle United (H) - Premier League (25)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: Newcastle are one place and one point ahead of you and they haven't won in their last nine matches, three draws and six defeats. With your impressive recent home form you must be favourites?

Stuniverse: Rafa Benitez will be determined to end Newcastle's bad form at our expense so we'll need to be on it to get the result we want. Training has been good this week and we're confident of keeping our good home form going.

Team Selection

RamsFanzine: Just one change today.

Stuniverse: Yes. Facundo Colidio has impressed in training recently so I've given him the nod over Jack Marriott.

Post-match: Derby County (0) 1-2 (1) Newcastle United

RamsFanzine: 60% possession. 19 shots to nine. How did you not win that match?

Stuniverse: Well we didn't get enough shots on target and, when we did, at the risk of sounding like a stuck record, we once again found their goalkeeper in fine form. Of course, it didn't help when we completely switched off for the free-kick that led to their first goal.

RamsFanzine: You're still 17th, but the gap to Watford and the relegation zone is only two points. Can you get back on track at Everton after the International break.

Stuniverse: I hope so. We keep going. We work hard and we try again at Goodison Park.

Edited May 5, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Irobinson69]

Really enjoying following this and love your writing style @Stuniverse.

Nothing to add to the tactical advice above other than stick with it. I quickly found in the PL that my team work rate and speed was lacking in comparison. Played 2x DMs and either 1x CM or 1x AM most of the time away from home. Took me until December to get first away win, and then I was flying, so @Tajerio and @JaytheGreat advice will pay off soon I’m sure.

[Stuniverse]

Thanks, @Irobinson69. That’s very kind of you to say.

I must admit, though, I’m wondering if I can keep Derby County up this season... time will tell. Igor didn’t help me out much in the Winter transfer window and I think we’ve lost every game new signing Kevin Rodrigues has played.

Edited May 6, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Irobinson69]

Give him time to bed in, along with the new tactics. You’re massively hamstrung by Igor’s poor wheeler dealing, but I’m sure when they gel you’ll pick up a few more points on the road. 

[coady]

I can't believe he didn't bring anyone else in at all, that's almost unheard of for a struggling PL side in January!

[Stuniverse]

Thanks for your comments @Irobinson69 and @coady.

I'm pretty sure that going into this transfer window Igor Stimac had either £6.5M or £6M to spend.

He spent £1.9M on LB  Kevin Rodrigues and just over £500K on Nathan Moore who won't join us until the summer.

That kind of tallies with what's left in the kitty.

Edited May 6, 2019 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 8 February 2020

WATFORD ESCAPE RELEGATION ZONE

RamsFanzine: Watford beat Liverpool 1-0 this afternoon to leap-frog Derby County and move out of the bottom three.

The Rams, who didn't play this weekend due to their scheduled opponent's F.A. Cup commitments, are now third bottom of the Premier League with a game-in-hand.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 15 February 2020

Pre-match v Everton (a) - Premier League (26)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: With Derby in a relegation dogfight, there's many who thought you'd be more active in the transfer window than you actually were. How would you sum up the window?

Stuniverse: Well I think the 'many', whoever they are, probably have it about right. We kept hold of all the players who are important to this squad, and offloaded three of the fringe players. But we only brought in left-back Kevin Rodrigues and that was disappointing given that there was money available for Igor Stimac to spend. Not a lot, but there was some and Mel Morris [owner] had increased the transfer revenue we could reinvest in the transfer kitty from 20% to 75%. Missing out on centre-back Ruben Vezo was a blow.

RamsFanzine: You dropped into the relegation zone last weekend without playing and the teams around you all strengthened in the window. It's four games since your last win, can you really avoid relegation this season.

Stuniverse: Yes. Of course, we can. There's more than enough points left to play for. We have to believe we can stay up, otherwise we've got no chance. We're working hard on the training ground and are confident we can change our form around for the better.

Team Selection

RamsFanzine: Two changes for your trip to Goodison Park.

Stuniverse: Yes. Jack Marriott returns for Facundo Colidio and Andre Wisdom replaces Richard Keogh.

RamsFanzine: Everton are 9th and unbeaten in their last nine matches. How difficult a challenge do you face today?

Stuniverse: Look. We're in a relegation fight. That's what we expected at the start of he season and that's definitely the case now. In this situation, every Premier League match is a difficult challenge. I have faith in this squad of players and we'll be trying our best to get a positive result.

Post-match: Everton (0) 2-0 (0) Derby County

RamsFanzine: You edged possession, had more shots than Everton, and yet you lose again. What's it going to take for you to win a match?

Stuniverse: We need to score more goals. And it would help if a goalkeeper could have a bad game against us. How many stunning saves did Jordan Pickford make today? This sums it up for me, midway through the second-half, Domingos Quina hits a 20-yarder along the ground, Pickford dives full length but he's beaten, the ball hits the post and cannons back to our striker, Jack Marriott hits it well but somehow, Pickford gets up and dives the other way to keep the ball out.

RamsFanzine: That's now five games without a win, one point from the last 15. Do you really think you can keep Derby up?

Stuniverse: We're playing well, creating chances, and nobody's outplaying us. We have to believe so.

RamsFanzine: That's your game-in-hand gone and you're still in the relegation zone. A gap is beginning to open up above Wolves in 16th. Next up is Southampton, who are 14th, at home. Is that a must win?

Stuniverse: We have to start picking up points and stop losing matches. It's that simple.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 22 February 2020

Pre-match v Southampton (H) - Premier League (27)

Match Preview

RamsFanzine: Watford had two men sent-off and lost 4-0 at Huddersfield last night. A win will lift you above Watford and out of the relegation zone. Does that affect your approach to the game?

Stuniverse: No. Not really. We need as many points as possible so we were always going to try and win this match.

RamsFanzine: Southampton are 14th and unbeaten in their last five Premier League matches. How difficult an opponent does that make them?

Stuniverse: A very difficult one. They're higher in the league than us and in better form. We believe we can win today, though, and will be trying our best to do that.

Team Selection

RamsFanzine: Two changes today.

Stuniverse: Yes. Both forced. Alfred N'Diaye is suspended, Max Bird comes in for him. Kevin Rodrigues strained his calf in training and is replaced by Max Lowe.

Post-match: Derby County (0) 0-3 (2) Southampton

RamsFanzine: Another game where the stats are in your favour - 22 shots to 10, 7 shots on target to 4 - yet you lose 3-0. How do you explain that?

Stuniverse: I still maintain that we're playing well but we're not clinical enough in front of goal. The teams that are established at this level have proven Premier League goal scorers and the goalkeepers in the Premier League are on a different planet compared to the Championship.

RamsFanzine: You keep saying that, but you've now gone six without winning, and have picked up just one point from the last 18. It looks like your squad aren't up to Premier League standard.

Stuniverse: The transfer window's closed now. My squad is what it is. We've got to work hard, pick up as many points as we can, and see where that leaves us at the end of the season.

RamsFanzine: With 11 matches left, Cardiff are cast adrift and it's starting to look like two from Brighton, Watford and yourselves to join them. Would you agree?

Stuniverse: As the league table looks now. Yes. But there's other teams who can be dragged into it. Of course, if we don't start picking up points soon we won't drag anybody into it.

Edited May 6, 2019 by Stuniverse