Derby County manager Phillip Cocu told RamsTV his side have struggled for goals all season while they had a lack of courage to play out from the back against Millwall.
The Rams suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Millwall at Pride Park on Saturday.
It was the fifth game in succession without a win. Moreover, Derby have now scored just two goals in open play in their last 11 Championship outings.
It’s a big worry for manager Phillip Cocu. But the Dutchman spoke candidly after the defeat to Millwall, and it could give a clue as to what he will try to fix in January.
It’s a returning issue. We’ve struggled all season We played too direct in the first half. There would have been better options if we had more courage to play out from the back. Second half, some chances on goal we created and normally one of those has to be a goal and it changes the game. We’re struggling so much by to find the net it’s hard at the moment.
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Derby have struggled for goals all season. Strikers Martin Waghorn, Chris Martin and Jack Marriott only have nine goals between them in 22 league games to date.
A lack of creativity is arguably Derby’s biggest downfall. The Rams just haven’t replaced the likes of Mason Mount and Harry Wilson who were on loan last season.
Tom Lawrence is statistically Derby’s most creative player this season with 1.4 key passes per game. However, a rather worrying 41 Championship players average more.
Phillip Cocu must strengthen in January. The return of Krystian Bielik and Graeme Shinnie from injury and Wayne Rooney’s availability will help. But that isn’t enough.
The Rams need a big injection of quality. Without doing so, they could find themselves sucked into a potential relegation battle come the end of the season.
Also see: Rowett admits he turned down a PL offer while in charge at Derby County
Also see: ‘Quick, great in the air’: Boss raves about reported Derby defensive target