Derby County manager Phillip Cocu is under "severe pressure" following his side's poor start to the season, according to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf. 

Derby's 1-0 loss to Watford on Friday evening means that they have taken just three points from their first five Championship games of the 2020/21 campaign, winning one and losing four, and sit one place above the relegation zone.

The Rams travel to the John Smith's Stadium this evening to take on Huddersfield Town and reports in the Netherlands have provided an update on where Cocu stands ahead of that clash.

According to de Telegraaf, the Derby boss is under "severe pressure" after the disappointing start his side have made to the season.

With six games in 18 days, the next few weeks looks set to be a pivotal period for Cocu.

East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest sacked manager Sabri Lamouchi and replaced him with Chris Hughton earlier this month and the Rams may consider following suit if the Dutchman is unable to turn things around.

A win against Huddersfield tonight would be the perfect way to start, though it won't be easy as the Terriers have claimed seven points from their last three games.

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The Verdict

It's no surprise to hear that there is "severe pressure" on the Rams boss after a very, very disappointing start to the 2020/21 campaign.

The next 18 days could be make or break for Cocu as you feel if Derby's poor form continues until the November international break, the club may feel it's time for a change.

A decision from the club hierarchy could come even earlier than that, particularly with Friday's East Midlands Derby likely to be an emotive clash.