Derby County’s Recent Performances Criticized for Lack of Composure

Rams Daily’s Nigel Owens has stated that Derby County’s recent performances have lacked composure. Following their 2-1 loss to Swansea City on Wednesday night, the Rams have secured only one victory in their last eight Championship fixtures, resulting in a drop to 15th place in the league standings. Speaking to BBC Radio Derby, Owens remarked, “A little bit of mentality, a little bit of composure missing. It’s just frustration that when not under pressure putting balls out of play, tracking runners like the second goal and not being motivated to do the right things in the first 10-20 minutes of the game, feel like things professional footballers in the Championship should be able to do.” Head coach Paul Warne faced criticism regarding his team selection during the midweek match, having made six alterations to the squad that had drawn 1-1 against Preston North End four days prior. Striker Jerry Yates was absent from Wednesday’s defeat. Warne opted for winger Kayden Jackson to lead the attack, ahead of specialist striker James Collins, who has not yet scored this season. Rams Daily’s Jason Straw commented on the decision, stating, “No disrespect to him but he’s [Jackson] been asked to play a position he hasn’t in a Derby shirt for quite sometime. One big surprise is why James Collins didn’t start for me, personally.”