Wayne Rooney remains unbeaten as Derby interim head coach

Wayne Rooney has now accumulated nine points in his first six games since moving from player-coach to interim head coach of Derby County.

Derby overcame Swansea 2-0 on Wednesday evening as they push ever closer to leaving the relegation zone.

First-half goals from Colin Kazim-Richards and Kamil Jozwiak saw off fourth-place Swansea to give Derby their first home win of the season in the Championship. You can extend your interests beyond the football pitch with the offers at Kucasino.

Rooney has overseen a dramatic change in form since replacing Phillip Cocu, remaining unbeaten in the last five matches to move to the verge of climbing out of the relegation zone as Nottingham Forest and Rotherham United bid to end their own struggles.

The Derby boss believes that it is he and his staff’s ideas that have caused this upturn in form.

“It worked, so I am delighted for the lads. They deserved that. We are six unbeaten now, with four clean-sheets, and that is pleasing,” Rooney said.

“It has been a big change for the lads to take on everything we are asking of them; it has been quite demanding. I am delighted for the players as they are starting to get the rewards they deserve.”

He added: “For the players I think it is a fantastic win but for us as the staff as well. It’s a great win against one of the top-six teams and that is something we failed to do last season.

Next up for Derby is a trip to Rotherham United on December 19. They stand just two places ahead in 20th and level with Derby on 16 points.

Derby midfielder Krystian Bielik gave praise of Rooney and his coaching staff after collecting the three points against Swansea, and explained how focus is key to Derby not losing momentum.

“We have a game in a few days, so we have to make sure we rest and go again. We cannot switch off now, we need more points to climb this table,” Bielik said.

“We are doing a great job in training with the coaching staff and then we try to take it into the game day.

“The coaches are doing a lot of work with us every day and you can see we are compact and defending as a team.”