--- source: thedugout.football generated: 2026-09-22T17:24:26.865Z last_updated: 2026-09-14T08:36:17+00:00 data_provider: API-Football canonical: https://thedugout.football/clubs/derby-county/news/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVyYnl0ZWxlZ3JhcGguY28udWsvc3BvcnQvZm9vdGJhbGwvZm9vdGJhbGwtbmV3cy9kZXJieS1jb3VudHktam9obi1ldXN0YWNlLWJ1cm5sZXktMTExNTUyNTU --- # Rowett has his say on Eustace's 'worry' as Rams face 'really crucial' test - **Source:** - **Published:** 14 Sept - **Club:** Derby County - **Original URL:** https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/derby-county-john-eustace-burnley-11155255 Gary Rowett has played down fears Derby County could be in for a difficult season after yet another home defeat. But the former Rams boss admitted John Eustace will be concerned about his team’s form at Pride Park, where they have taken just one point from four games. Rowett is also mindful of the fact Derby could do with leaving Burnley with a positive result in their next match and changing the momentum around the squad ahead of an extended international break. “You certainly don't want to go into that break, which is an extra week, it's bad enough for two weeks sometimes if you've lost the last game, you don't want to go in with that feeling for three weeks now,” Rowett told Sky Sports. “That is probably going to be a really crucial point for a lot of managers where you're going to be sitting there going ‘That's quite a long period of time and I don't want to go in there on that negative’. “I don't see any issue with Derby. I think John's experienced enough, he's done a fantastic job there. JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest Derby County news, analysis and more via our Rams Facebook page “I think it's the home form maybe that would worry him a little bit at the moment, that's four games now without winning at Pride Park and obviously that's been a big strength, there's 30,000 in there, the atmosphere... “[Today] it just felt a little bit flat, I think that was just synonymous with the fact that they haven't won and also maybe the team just hasn't quite found that right synergy yet. “They've had players out, players signing at the last minute. It might take a little bit of time to settle. I certainly wouldn't be overly concerned about them this season.” Fellow pundit Tommy Smith is also not worried about the Rams’ campaign. “I can certainly see them turning the corner, they've got the squad, he's clearly seen something today, the work rate was there, they're playing for each other. “But they haven't won at home, that's going to be a real problem for him, lost the last two, one goal in the last three home games. “Definitely that attacking intent is just something's not quite clicking, not dissimilar to last season. “They had a very slow start last season and they got in the playoff mix towards the end and were unlucky to miss out. “So he's experienced at this level, he's done well every other club he's been at, John, so I do expect him to turn it round but this won't help. “You've got this long extended international break coming up, Burnley away they've got next week, not easy, even though Burnley have got their struggles. “He’ll be looking for a good result really rather than a performance against Burnley, to get something on the board.” Get the best Derby County news, analysis and more straight to your Inbox! To get it, it's a simple one-two punch.