Derby County appointed Phillip Cocu as Frank Lampard’s successor after the latter left the Rams for Chelsea in the summer.
Twan Scheepers joined the Dutchman’s backroom staff after spending over a decade with PSV Eindhoven’s youth and reserve team.
‘Welcome to the Jungle’ is what the British journalists told Scheepers when he arrived in England. He says “now I understand that comment” during an interview with Eindhovens Dagblad.
Cocu’s life in the Championship isn’t going swmmingly so far as Derby have managed only five wins in 16 league matches and are 16th in the table, seven points behind sixth placed Bristol City.
Scheepers claims Derby can emulate PSV, and also explained how he would like to have an impact at the English club.
“We already have quite a few losses and are now 16th, but with a few wins in a row you can climb up. We stick to that,” he said.
“The club has a vision like PSV that unfolded a few years ago and wants to make the step upwards in a stable way, preferably with a number of self-trained youth players. I really want to contribute to that.”
Scheepers is aware of the importance of results, while also finding the balance between having experienced players and youngsters in the squad.
“At Derby we feel that we have the time. Only in every professional competition, it’s always the next match that’s very important and you have to perform. So, there must be a balance between youth and experience,” Scheepers added.
While Scheepers compares the footballing experience at Derby to that of PSV, he also talks about the financial power in English football.
“You have enormous financial interests and fierce competition. All in big, beautiful stadiums that are always filled with fans,” Scheepers explained
“And last but not least matches in the traditional English football atmosphere. It is almost impossible to imagine how massively supporters sympathise and feel connected to their club. Awesome. This is also the case with PSV.”
