John Eustace has called on his Derby County players to maintain total focus as they head into a crucial Easter showdown with Luton Town at Pride Park.
With the Rams sitting just above the relegation zone, Eustace knows Friday’s clash against the Hatters could prove decisive.
EFL Championship
Warning issued against complacency
Despite Derby’s spirited showing at Portsmouth, the head coach is keen to avoid any signs of overconfidence ahead of another major test.
“If you start looking too far ahead and getting carried away with things, then it can be a problem. The most important thing is that now we focus on a really tough test on Friday, and one we’ll be prepared for.”
Eustace pointed to Luton’s quality, highlighting the Premier League experience within Matt Bloomfield’s squad and praising their transfer dealings both last summer and in January.
The manager is aware that Luton’s need for points is just as pressing, with the Hatters desperate to avoid back-to-back relegations following last season’s drop from the top flight.
Portsmouth draw builds belief
Derby head into the clash buoyed by their battling 2-2 draw at Portsmouth, where they twice led before being pegged back. Eustace praised his squad’s resilience in what was a hectic and fiercely contested game at Fratton Park.
He acknowledged the disappointment of losing a lead but believes the spirit and togetherness shown could prove vital in the final weeks of the season.
“The mood’s really good,” he said. “We gained a good point on Saturday, the lads had a day off Sunday and came back Monday fully focused.”
Eustace’s message is clear: stay focused, stay grounded, and treat every game as a final. Pride Park will be a cauldron of noise come kick-off, and Derby will need to harness that energy as they look to take a giant step towards Championship survival.
Site opinion
John Eustace’s calm but steely message is exactly what Derby County need. Survival will depend not just on quality but on mentality. The Rams must approach Luton Town with discipline, courage, and clear heads. With the Pride Park crowd behind them, Derby have a golden chance to seize the momentum – but there is no room for mistakes now.
However, the Hatters won’t roll over. They’ve found a bit of form, albeit late in the day, and they know a win would give them a leg up. They’d have to score eight to climb out the bottom three, but any win will give Matt Bloomfield’s side hope.
