Derby County beat Leeds United last Wednesday to reach the play-off final.
Derby County coach Shay Given has admitted that he must give Leeds United supporters ‘credit’ for the atmosphere they generated at Elland Road last Wednesday night.
The Rams progressed through to the play-off final earlier on in the week at the expense of Marcelo Bielsa’s side, who conceded four goals to capitulate in front of their own supporters.
Former Premier League goalkeeper Given is part of the coaching staff at Derby and he watched the nerve-racking drama unfold from the dugout.
Speaking to Off The Ball, Given honestly shared what it was like walking out to over 30,000 fans in Yorkshire prior to and during the game.
“When we came out Elland Road was absolutely bouncing with their white scarves and they were all twirling them,” Given told Off The Ball. “
“You have to give Leeds great credit for that because they were making some noise. Once we come out the tunnel we knew what we were facing. The fans were right behind them.”
That game in Yorkshire would have set Derby up for what will now be a mouthwatering and nerve-racking play-off final at Wembley later on this month.
Derby will come up against Dean Smith’s Aston Villa, who needed a penalty shootout victory against West Brom in order to book their Wembley ticket.
Given played for Villa when they were a Premier League club and he was part of the infamous side that were thrashed 4-0 by Arsenal in the FA Cup final in 2015.
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