Latest Derby County news from DerbyshireLive brings you what the Rams head coach had to say as the Rams were beaten by Phil Parkinson’s side
18:10, 04 Jan 2026Updated 18:10, 04 Jan 2026
John Eustace(Image: PA)
John Eustace was left to rue some questionable decision-making as Derby County succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against Wrexham.
The visitors had taken the lead in the first half through Sam Smith, but were back on level terms before the break when Ben Brereton Diaz struck an excellent equaliser.
But straight after half-time, the visitors were back in front when Sondre Langas’ mistake led to Matty James scoring a wonderful effort from 20 yards.
Derby huffed and puffed afterwards with Joe Ward forcing a save from a free-kick while Bobby Clark’s pass inside the area just eluded substitute Kayden Jackson.
Speaking afterwards, Eustace said: “I was disappointed to lose the game overall.
“We huffed and puffed in the second half but just lacked that bit of quality in the final third really to make something happen,” he said.
“In the first half, we didn’t start as quickly as we wanted to. We adjusted a couple of things, and then I felt we were right in the game.
“We had a couple of good opportunities, conceded against the run of play and then scored a great goal.
“Coming in at half-time, I was happy. But the way we started the second half, a couple of decisions made individually were frustrating, and they scored a fantastic goal, to be fair.
“There was still a lot for him to do but I am disappointed to lose.”
Eustace was pleased to see Brereton Diaz score his first goal since facing Wrexham earlier in the season.
The Chile international produced a terrific solo effort and started in the place of Ebou Adams after a lively substitute performance against Middlesbrough.
Eustace added: “Hopefully it gives him a lot of confidence. I thought his performance was good today.
“When he came off the bench against Middlesbrough, he was very good.
“He deserved his start back in the team, and I thought the way he took his goal was excellent.”