Derby County have not enjoyed the 2020/21 season so far.
The Rams fell to the bottom of the Championship table after a 2-0 loss against Barnsley meaning that they have won just one of their opening 11 games, that win coming thanks to a Wayne Rooney free-kick against Norwich City ast month.
That has led to questions emerging over the future of Derby boss Phillip Cocu, with a number of fans saying that the Derby boss could be on the verge of being shown the door at Pride Park, especially with the imminent takeover at the club.
With that in mind, here is a roundup of everything that has been said on the future of the current Derby boss.
Wayne Rooney claim
After a poor start to the season, it was claimed earlier this month that Wayne Rooney was in line to take over from Cocu should results not improve.
The Sun claimed that the Rams are losing patience with the manager and that Rooney’s last-minute winner against Watford saved the Derby boss from the sack before the international break.
Mel Morris responds
Just hours after the report was released, Derby owner Mel Morris made a staunch denial of the story.
“We’re not even close to discussions of that sort,” Morris told TalkSPORT after the report.
“So the pressure we’re talking about is that we need better results, and better results come from better performances.”
Cocu responds
After the response from Morris, it was Cocu’s chance to give his reaction.
“I don't want to react – it's a waste of energy. I didn't see it at first, so I didn't read it,” he said.
“I don't want to be distracted by stories. They will always be around and I can't change anything. I will do the job with all my energy. I'm not going anywhere.”
Mel Morris’ latest comments
Derby County owner Mel Morris gave the latest update on the under pressure manager’s future, after the 1-0 defeat against Huddersfield Town.
“Of course we are concerned about the lack of points, as is the manager,” Morris told the Telegraph .
“But when you look at the cards we’ve been dealt this season, it’s hardly surprising that results have been poor.
“Does he have our support? Yes, we have got to be realistic about the challenges he faces. This is not about a lack of tactics, or effort on the training field, or those things.
“It’s fine margins, and we need to score more goals, and he understands that. But when you’ve had your main strikers injured, and of course with Rooney out with the Covid scenario, these are curveballs you have to be realistic about.
“We’ve seen relatively tight games and lost the last two by one goal. We didn’t get overrun by the other team and against Huddersfield we had a decision go against us which was massive in the game.”
Mike te Wierik breaks silence
Derby centre-back Mike te Wierik has spoken out about the speculation over Cocu's future at Pride Park.
"I have no idea what to expect, we do not play a role in it", he told TC Tubantia.
"Normally I can fill a book, but now I really don't know.
"We are last in the league, so the pressure is increasing, especially on the trainer.
"Derby is a big club, expectations are high and you can tell. Cocu has met me. I have no idea how it will go if he has to leave. Or what the possible new owner wants."
£4 million cost
Reports suggest that Morris could be reluctant to pull the trigger on Cocu at Derby due to the £4 million pay off that the manager will reportedly receive should he and hs coaching staff be shown the door.
The Mirror reports that the Derby Chairman is unhappy with the boss after just one win in 11 Championship games.
However, sacking the Holland international could be expensive due to the amount of time left on his contract.
New manager expected
It is claimed that the imminent takeover at Derby has increased the uncertainty over Cocu's future at the club.
Reports suggest that if or when the takeover goes through the new owners are 'expected to appoint their own manager.'
John Terry is said to be on the list of potential targets should the Rams take the decision to make a change.
