David Ozoh has shown praise towards Derby County boss Paul Warne.
Derby County are gearing up for an home clash against Cardiff City, where they will be hoping to make it three wins in as many games at Pride Park so far in the 2024/25 Championship season.
There was plenty of uncertainty surrounding Derby County’s squad and whether it was good enough to meet the levels of the Championship, however wins against Middlesbrough and Bristol City have shown that Paul Warne’s side have recruited brilliantly this season.
In particular, the midfield has been completely transformed, with the ageing Conor Hourihane and Korey Smith making way for the likes of Kenzo Goudmijn and David Ozoh, who have shone amongst fellow signings Ben Osborn and Ebou Adams.
The centre-of-the-park has been spectacular so far in the 2024/25 campaign, and Crystal Palace loanee Ozoh has put that down to Warne and how he helped with his confidence playing at this level.
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David Ozoh shares Paul Warne words after ‘tough’ start at Derby County
Ozoh has been rightly regarded as a brilliant piece of business for Derby County this summer, and there are no doubts that he will prove to be a key component for Warne’s side this season.
However, after a difficult opening day against Blackburn Rovers, where the Rams lost 4-2, the Premier League loanee has revealed what Warne said to him.
Speaking to the DCFC website, Ozoh said: “One thing I wanted to do when coming out on loan was play games and Paul Warne gave me reassurance when I came in, so I’m happy.
“It was tough at the start but the boys have helped me grow into it and I want to thank the gaffer for giving me the confidence to play week-in, week-out.
“He’s asked me to come in and express myself, he said don’t be scared to make mistakes and that has really helped me.”
Paul Warne’s man-management could make the difference for Derby County this season
Both Ozoh and Goudmijn’s performances against Bristol City showed that Warne has already got the best out of a midfield pairing, who have already gelled together.
The midfield duo had never played a single minute of Championship football, and with them having the average age of just 20.5, there was always the likelihood that the lack of experience could be highly detrimental to Warne’s plans.
However, whilst he has taken the risky approach by putting faith in such inexperienced ranks, he has done incredibly well on the man-management style to necessarily make them settle into the side as quick as possible, and there is no doubt that that has already added extra points on the board for Derby County so far this season.
It has been a brilliant start for Derby County, and there will be no surprises if Ozoh and Goudmijn make the difference to give the Rams yet another win at home to Cardiff City.