Derby County received a clear directive for improvement following their disappointing loss to Blackburn Rovers as they kicked off their Championship campaign. Paul Warne’s debut game at the helm did not go as planned, raising concerns about the team’s predicted bottom-half finish in the 2024/25 season and the looming threat of relegation to League One.

Despite Blackburn’s low finish in the previous season and an unimpressive transfer window, they managed a 4-2 victory over Derby, exposing several weaknesses in the Rams’ lineup. While some players struggled, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing stood out with assists for both goals and earned praise amid the defeat.

The performance underscored the team’s overreliance on individual brilliance, emphasizing the need for a stronger attacking lineup. With new additions like Jerry Yates and Kayden Jackson failing to provide consistent goal-scoring threat, Derby faces pressure to bolster their attacking options, with interest in Luton Town’s Cauley Woodrow as a potential solution.

Warne is competing with Liverpool’s Bobby Clarke for Red Bull Salzburg’s interest. Karamoko Dembele was rumored for Derby, but he signed with Queens Park Rangers. Now, facing Middlesbrough, the Rams lack attacking power, risking defeat, especially with stern Boro opposition compared to Blackburn. (56 words)