LONDON, Saturday: England’s record goalscorer Wayne Rooney had a disappointing start in his new role as player-coach of Derby as they were held 1-1 at home by QPR in their Championship clash on Saturday.
The 34-year-old Manchester United great took his place in the dugout for the first time alongside Dutch manager Phillip Cocu, although he is not permitted to play until January.
The draw -- which ended a run of five successive home wins -- leaves the Rams 14 points behind second-placed West Brom and six points off the play-off places.
Leeds top the table after a double by Mateusz Klich inspired them to a fine 4-0 home win over Middlesbrough for their fifth successive victory.
Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds, bidding to return to the Premier League for the first time since being relegated in 2004, have a one-point lead over West Brom.
West Brom can go back to the top if they beat Preston away on Monday.
Cocu said he thinks Rooney’s presence is going to make life difficult for Derby as opponents will want to up their game.
“Especially from the moment he (Rooney) is on the pitch... a manager can use it for his team,” said Cocu.
“Of course, they will lift their game to show how they can play against him so that’s something we have to be ready for.”
Cocu’s thoughts were echoed by his QPR counterpart Mark Warburton.
“We used that, some of the press comments said we were almost cannon fodder today,” he said. “But the players are professional athletes and they get angered by certain comments.
“I read one statement that basically said Derby couldn’t have a better game today so that was great for us.”
Leeds had no such problems at home as Polish international Klich scored in both halves, with Patrick Bamford and Helder Costa also finding the net, to overwhelm a depleted Boro side.
Middlesbrough manager Jonathan Woodgate did not use that as an excuse.
- AFP
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