According to Derby County's official website, Rams boss Gary Rowett has aired his strong views following his side's 4-1 defeat against Bristol City at Ashton Gate on Saturday afternoon. 

Rowett saw his side go into the half time interval 1-0 up, after Matej Vydra's penalty found the back of the net on 27 minutes, but four second half goals put his side to the sword.

It is the Rams third successive away defeat in all competitions and Rowett's frustration was clear for all to see.

The former Birmingham manager said, "it is the story of our away season at the moment. At home, we had a fantastic performance in the last game (beating Hull 5-0) and we know that the energy level and aggression that we showed was fantastic.

"Then we come away from home and we don’t replicate those types of things. Too many times Bristol City got into attacking positions too easily and we have to defend better both individually and as a team otherwise we are going to continually get nothing.

"We have to be better than that. It’s not good enough, it’s embarrassing in some ways. I feel disappointed for the fans. There are no excuses," Rowett said, pulling no punches.

Speaking more specifically about tactical changes he might look into making in order to improve his side's away form, Rowett said, "maybe away from home we’ve got to go with three midfielders, instead of putting a lot of pressure on the two to cover the space. I’m going to have to look at doing something different.”

The Verdict: 

The cornerstone of Rowett's success with Birmingham was getting the most out of a limited group of players and being tough to score against, so the nature and margin of yesterday's defeat will really sting him.

Conceding four second half goals at any level is not good enough, and while Rowett says he is considering tactical changes, he also needs players to approach away matches with the same desire and intensity that has come into their game at home.

That said, stringing five midfielders across the pitch might well be a good way to rebuild confidence and ensure that another thrashing is not on the card.

Derby fans - what do you make of Rowett's comments? Is it tactics or desire to blame for yesterday's performance? Let us know below...