Phillip Cocu says it was "important" for Mel Morris to publicly back him, amid a dismal start to the season for Derby County.

It has been a disappointing start to the campaign for the Rams, who currently sit 22nd in the Sky Bet Championship table.

Cocu's side have lost five of their opening six league games, and have managed to pick three points ahead of their trip to Nottingham Forest on Friday night.

Quiz: Do Nottingham Forest and Derby County have these 10 things in common?

The pressure is certainly starting to build on Cocu, especially after another defeat on Tuesday night - this time against Huddersfield Town, losing 1-0 at the John Smith's Stadium.

Derby owner Mel Morris recently appeared live on talkSPORT, though, publicly backing Cocu  and defending his manager, and also told the Telegraph that he has the club's support.

Speaking ahead of his side's trip to the City Ground, Cocu addressed Morris' comments in his pre-match press conference.

Cocu said: "It's important for everybody. Not only myself but the staff and players. We're getting the support to keep going forwards. We know why we're in a difficult situation.

"We communicate a lot. We're obviously not happy with the start."

The Verdict

You do worry about what lies in store for Derby and for Cocu.

If they lose on Friday night, then you would fully expect fans to lose patience in the Dutchman given the importance of the fixture and what it means to the fans.

Football is a results' business, and if they keep losing games, then their dreams of finishing in the play-offs will surely diminish.

They have to turn things around, and fast.