Marti Cifuentes urges Leicester to ‘build momentum’ after victory at Derby

Leicester manager Marti Cifuentes called for his team to “build momentum” after they beat local rivals Derby 3-1 in the Championship at Pride Park.

Cifuentes watched his team deliver an impressive first-half performance which settled the first league meeting between the two sides in almost 12 years.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid finished a slick move in the eighth minute before Oliver Skipp volleyed in from close range – seven minutes later – after poor Derby defending.

The home defence was opened up again in the 31st minute with Jordan James guiding the ball in and although Sondre Langas scored with a header to reduce the deficit in the 63rd minute, Leicester stood firm to celebrate a memorable victory.

Cifuentes said: “Every time we win a game, especially now we are in December, it’s important that we build momentum on this.

“We also need to stay very humble because we play again on Wednesday and we need to prove ourselves again and to play at the level we need, but I saw a lot of things to be positive about.

“I saw a team that was 100 per cent committed and that’s all that we ask.

“I think there is quality in the players which shows that when we do the basics and are 100 per cent switched on we can compete against anyone in this league.

“I understand pressure is part of the job, it’s never about me, it’s about the club, about the fans and I said from day one – I was very honest – that this would be a process that could take some time.

“I have a task, I know that the task at the moment is perhaps not the easiest, it can sometimes be difficult but I know what we are trying to build.

“It’s a top result for us. (I’m) especially pleased for the players, credit to them and happy for the fans as well because they were helping us a lot during the second half.

“The first half was excellent, we understood really well what was needed in the game against a team that has been doing so well.”

Derby head coach John Eustace admitted his side’s first-half performance was not acceptable.

He said: “The first half was really disappointing. It’s not acceptable really, especially when you go a goal down.

“I want to see a reaction and see positive body language and belief but I felt the boys just looked as if they were feeling a little bit sorry for themselves instead of rolling up their sleeves and get going again.

“That was disappointing. We were up against a quality team but nothing to fear and the first half is something we will have to look at.

“Second half was great, good character from the group and we tried to fight back but just couldn’t get the second goal to make it exciting.

“I think at the moment, we are conceding goals where we are not making it difficult for teams so that’s disappointing for me.

“We need organisation and that leadership on the pitch which we just haven’t got at the moment.

“I need players to step up and organise and lead. We are missing three or four of those kind of characters at the moment but it’s about the squad and the group.”