Derby County are under new management with ex-PSV coach Phillip Cocu replacing Frank Lampard at the Championship outfit.
Clinton Morrison believes Derby County will attempt to play their own brand of ‘total football’ under Dutch coach Phillip Cocu next season after watching the Rams during pre-season, while speaking to Jim White on talkSPORT (29 July, 11:30am).
Another year, another new era at Pride Park.
Thanks to Frank Lampard’s desire to make an emotional return to Chelsea, Derby are starting the season with a new manager for the third year in a row after bringing in Cocu as the former England midfielder’s replacement.
But unlike Lampard, who arrived with absolutely no managerial experience, Cocu has three Eredivisie titles on an impressive coaching CV.
The former Barcelona star turned PSV Eindhoven into the dominant force in Dutch football during his four years at the helm with the likes of Memphis Depay, Hirving Lozano and Gini Wijnaldum starring in Cocu’s possession-heavy system.
And former Birmingham and Crystal Palace striker Morrison believes Derby fans will enjoy their Saturdays next season with Cocu at the helm.
“I went to a pre-season game the other day and they are trying to play football the right way,” said a clearly impressed Morrison. “I think with two or three additions they’ll have a chance (at the title).”
The lack of new signings is certainly a concern with just a few days until the Championship season kicks off. Kieran Dowell has arrived on loan from Everton while Graeme Shinnie signed for free with Derby yet to spend a penny on permanent additions so far.
But if Cocu can get the Rams playing in his typically Dutch style, there is no reason why they can’t go one step further than last season’s play-off final defeat.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
