John Eustace says relationships on the pitch don’t happen overnight and says it would have been a “different kettle of fish” had everyone been fit and available at the start of Derby County’s pre-season.
After a summer of 13 players arriving and 13 players leaving, Derby are currently a work in progress after a major overhaul of the squad in the summer.
Eustace has been pleased with the “committment and attitude” in the games he has seen so far this season but there is still a lot of work ahead.
Derby’s cause wasn’t helped by a considerable injury list going into the new campaign as well as waiting to make the finishing touches to their squad in the window.
Asked about relationships on the pitch and that they don’t form overnight, Eustace responded: “Of course they don’t.
“It’s not a problem with the turnover of players.
“If we’d have had that turnover for the first day of pre-season with everyone fit and available, it would have been a different kettle of fish.
“We have to be realistic on where we are, but what I will say is for the six games that we’ve played, I think we’ve showed great commitment and great attitude, could have quite easily not lost the game (against Preston) as well.
“The boys keep fighting to the end and that’s the most pleasing thing.”
