Raphael Rossi-Branco knows just how much today’s Derby means to everyone at the club and he has promised that the whole squad will give it their all.
Town take on local rivals Oxford United at The County Ground later (12pm Kick-Off) and will be looking to secure both a huge three points and the local bragging rights.
After suffering defeat to Bristol Rovers in the West Country Derby last week, Branco is determined to right those wrongs this afternoon and pick up what would be a massive victory.
“We have to do everything we didn’t do against Bristol Rovers - that’s the main thing,” he said.
“We didn’t create anything against Rovers and it wasn’t a good afternoon for us.
“We have to do everything different today. We need to start with a really high tempo, we have to press from the first minute until the last minute and we have to give everything.
“This game can change everything and it could save our season.
“This game means everything to the fans and we’ve got to give everything we’ve got.
“We’re in a relegation battle at the moment but this game can change everything and if we win then we can still achieve something this season.
“It is always good to play in games like this and I know what it means to the club, to the fans, to the players and to the staff.
“We need to take this game as a chance to make a change and start to achieve new things in this league.
“We have to win this game today. It is a big one and the whole squad knows how big it is – we’re going to give it everything.”
Rossi-Branco has been in fine form in recent weeks but the towering centre-back has insisted that personal accolades mean nothing given the team’s current position in the league.
“I’ve been very, very pleased with my form and my partnership with Lloyd (Jones) but we’re not getting the results we want,” he continued.
“It is not the best thing when we play well but we don’t get the results and it doesn’t mean anything to me because I play for the team to try and get the points we need.
“But Lloyd and myself have been playing together for the last 15,16 games and hopefully we can continue our recent form.
“I’ve been playing well and I’m feeling confident so I am very, very pleased and hopefully I can carry on that form.”
