Following a stalemate at Pride Park, Phillip Cocu expressed his frustrations with the results but insists there were positives to take out of the game.
The main talking point, was of course, Martyn Waghorn’s penalty that was saved in 42nd minute.
“I think, of course, the best opportunity we had was the penalty. Good save. But it was a moment for us, if we get the goal then it lifts us and then we would probably play better, more confident, higher tempo,” said Cocu.
From that point onwards, Cocu thought the Rams were “chasing it” and couldn’t quite “get into the game.”
“Some moments in the first half, the tempo was maybe too low so Swansea could reorganise again closer to their area, so it was difficult to create really good chances on goal,” he stated.
“Second half was the other way around. Sometimes, maybe the tempo was too high because we lost some ball possession that maybe was not necessary but in the last 20/25 minutes, we worked them hard, they couldn’t get out, but we couldn’t score the goal today, so you get stuck with a draw.”
However, Derby’s defence was one area of praise from the Dutchman: “I think the structure in the team, the organisation, defensive work played well so over the course of the season this will also be a very important part of the game and it’s an aspect that I can be satisfied with.”
The Rams boss did end off by voicing his disappointment in the result on his first competitive home game.
Cocu said: “I’m just disappointed that we couldn’t give the fans the victory that everybody was waiting for but I cannot say anything to the players, [they] gave their all and even in 7 minutes added time, we went for it so hopefully in the next home game we can change that for them.”
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