Every word Paul Warne said on Sunderland, QPR and 'the old classic' as Derby County challenge set
Derby County will look to end a run of three successive defeats as they return to Pride Park to face QPR on Saturday (3pm).
After losing to Sheffield United, Norwich and Sunderland, Paul Warne's side are back on their own turf in what has been a happy hunting ground for them this season. Derby have won three out of their four home games in the Championship this term with the Canaries being the only side to have tasted victory this season.
Warne will be hoping to return to winning ways at home in what is expected to be another excellent atmosphere. The Rams head coach discussed that and more in his pre-match press conference at Moor Farm today as they prepare to welcome a QPR side who sit third from bottom in the table.
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On Sunderland
"I was proud of a lot of it. I was proud of the fact that they were resilient, they kept going to the end, and they didn't give up. So that's the massive positive of our team. We started well and just needed to take a chance when we got one.
"At times we were just a bit messy with the ball. I thought in the second half we were a bit better, but I didn't think we were controlled enough in the first half. But you have to give respect to the opposition. They made it as hard as they could for us. But I did think we played well in parts.
"In all the games we’ve lost, we're talking about the smallest of margins. Sunderland scored a 30-yarder. So, it's not bad defending, but us giving the ball away doesn't help. We were good in parts. We don't give up, which I love about the team. And I thought second half, once we made the change especially, it seemed we were the next team that was going to score. But unfortunately, it didn't come. The old classic, goals change games rings true, and we need to find more ways to score."
On making changes
"I know what my best team looks like. But each week is a different question. So, some weeks we think it would suit having a ten, and sometimes we think it would be better having two eights, sometimes we think it would be a back three. And I've only used a back three once so far.
"I think we now have a pretty good understanding of what all the players can do. I appreciate some when they come in and they haven't played for a bit, they're a bit ring rusty. I always appreciate that. It doesn't matter how hard they train. But we've got a pretty good idea of everyone's contribution and how we see it."
On Pride Park form
"Long may it continue. We have been good at home – but we’ve also been good away from home. And like I said, it’s the smallest of margins that makes the difference in many of the games.
"Pride Park is a great place for the lads to perform and they enjoy playing at home. Hopefully, we can perform again on Saturday because it's crucial that we can take the three points when we are at home."
On QPR
"They have a different threat to other teams in the league. They're top on pressing and actions once they lose the ball. So, if they lose it, they're coming after you straight away - we have to be prepared for that.
"If we can break the press, that's how we will try and play, as you do with all teams. They have had, similar to us, some games where they've played really well and were fortunate not to take more points. It's going to be another tough game, and everybody knows about our good home record. So that will increase their intensity possibly coming in."
On Nat Phillips
"Nat (Phillips) hasn't played many minutes obviously so his body started fatiguing and started cramping.
"That's a sign that if you don't get off then you will come off in a different way with a much bigger problem. I took him off. He will be okay but I've got a couple of others that I am hopeful on, but I will find out more today."
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