DERBY County first-team coach Johnny Metgod thinks it could take the Rams several months to get fully in the groove of their new 4-2-3-1 formation.
The Dutchman, who worked as a scout for the Netherlands in the World Cup, believes the formation is the right way for Derby to play.
He has been championing the system since last season and manager Nigel Clough has used it all pre-season.
Spain and the Netherlands were among the sides using 4-2-3-1 — where two defensive midfielders protect the back four — at the World Cup.
And Metgod believes it best suits Derby’s players, particularly the likes of Kris Commons and Tomasz Cywka, who get ideal roles as part of the three attacking players behind a lone striker.
However, Metgod warns that it could take a while before the new system is fine tuned and results fully reflect its potential.
He said: “In my view, it suits the players that we have. The best thing that will come out of it in the long-term is that it will give you the chance to control the game and take possession of the ball.
“It takes time because it’s not going to happen in two or three months and you might concede goals and lose games.
“But I think once you’ve taken a decision to play in a certain way, you stick with it.
“You work on it and try to make it better and better. We always create chances in this system — it’s just about trying not to concede too many.” The Rams take on Premier League side Birmingham City at Pride Park tomorrow, kick-off 3pm, in their final full preseason friendly before the opening match away at Leeds United.
Rob Hulse and Robbie Savage should both be fit to start, while Paul Green is available after being substituted early during Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Stoke City.
Metgod said: “The majority of the players are as fit as a fiddle and looking forward to the Birmingham game.
“They’re just raring to go.” One player who will not be involved, along with long-term casualties Miles Addison (foot), Steve Davies (knee) and Shaun Barker (knee), is Jake Buxton
However, the former Burton Albion centre-half, who came on against the Brewers in the Bass Vase on Wednesday, will play against Solihull Moors for the reserves tonight and should play against Belper Town for the second string on Tuesday.
Metgod said: “It’s good news for him because to be out for so long, it’s disappointing to see everybody training and playing games while you’re still on the sidelines.
“I’m delighted for him and to get 20 minutes against Burton is good for him. Hopefully, he can progress from there.
“I’m sure Jake has got the character to compensate for the fact he hasn’t had a lot of games.” Metgod thinks Birmingham will provide the Rams with an even stiffer test than Stoke provided, but believes it is important for the Derby players to test themselves at a high level.
He said: “The good thing about playing Stoke was that we were looking up to the Premier League side, and that’s no disrespect to Chesterfield, Southend or Bournemouth, who we played earlier.
“They and Birmingham give us a totally different ball game.
“Stoke are a very good side.
“They’re physical and they close the ball down very, very well. It’s a learning process and for where we are, you can’t ask for any better than the Stoke game.
“Birmingham is a step up again because they are physical but they’re also a good footballing side.
“It’s going to be very interesting to see how we cope with that.” And the Rams coach says positions are still up for grabs and no player is ruled out of the opening game of the season a week tomorrow.
He said: “Everybody is capable of being in the squad, and everybody is capable of playing.
“You just stake your claim with how you play.
“Ideally speaking, you would try to get one game before the start (of the season) with the sort of formation you want to play.
“But that’s ideally speaking and sometimes you want things and they don’t happen.
“I do think the majority of them (who start against Birmingham) could be the ones starting against Leeds.
“But certain positions are still up for grabs.
“Even if a player comes on as a sub for five minutes, he can still make an impression and say to the gaffer that he’s still here and shouldn’t be counted out.” Derby have denied they are set to make a move for Wigan Athletic’s unsettled striker Jason Scotland.
