Derby occasions are often ones to relish and look forward to, although they can be difficult ones to enjoy.
For Sabri Lamouchi, his first taste of Nottingham Forest and Derby County’s rivalry came back in August when his side romped to a 3-0 win in the Carabao Cup.
Rarely do these games prove to be quite so straightforward, and though Lamouchi did enjoy his first taste of this unique bond, that only came at full-time when the result was assured.
On Saturday, both the Reds and Rams will do it all again, but this time, it will be for valuable Championship points and not a place in the next round of a cup competition.
Lamouchi, who displayed a steely determination as he previewed the 106th competitive meeting between the two clubs, hopes he’ll be able to enjoy his 48th birthday in style.
“To enjoy the game is difficult, maybe after, depending on the result,” he said.
Such is the frantic nature of the games, mistakes can often be magnified proving to be costly, he says.
“The players need to focus on what they need to do, on the game, not on anything around the game. One distraction, one mistake and you can pay with cash for your mistakes,” said Lamouchi.
“Just give your best, play like you know and we will hope that at the end we make our fans happy and proud.”
Derby’s recent form has improved at Pride Park, though on the road they have struggled for form and consistency.
Phillip Cocu’s men have won just once away from home since the opening night of the season, and will arrive in Nottingham on the back of two heavy defeats at Charlton and Hull.
Despite those results, Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Middlesbrough was a fourth home win in a row and that’s a positive for the occasion, says the Frenchman.
“It’s good for the game, it’s good for the derby. There’s not a huge difference," he said.
The Forest boss says his players are ready, that they’re fully aware of the expectation surrounding the fixture, with the focus being on one thing – victory.
“The small details could be really important," he said.
“The players have been shown great application all week. We need to come back with a victory, so it’s a big game.
“To take the three points is very important.
“For some people it’s worth more than three points, but the reality is that it’s just three points. We want to focus on the game and what can happen within the game.”
A win for the Reds would see them rise a place in the league, and move level on points with second-placed Preston ahead of the latest break for international football.
Lamouchi says he’s taking nothing for granted, and leaving no stone unturned when it comes to preparing for the Rams’ visit, but won’t change anything in his own ranks.
“I don’t think so, we will talk about some situations from Derby but from us, no," the Frenchman revealed when quizzed if he would make any dramatic changes to his tactics.
“We know how they can disturb us.
“We need to keep going and take the maximum points every game we play at home, away, even if this one is a little bit different,” he said.
“I just want a fantastic game, it’s an exciting game for everyone. It’s a very good challenge and of course, at home, we will play for the victory.”
