Derby County have strengthened their coaching setup with the addition of a first-team tactical coach, joining Head Coach John Eustace’s backroom staff ahead of the Championship run-in. The appointment is designed to enhance the Rams’ tactical preparation and give the team a strategic edge as they navigate the final stages of the season. Christoph Bühler […]
Derby County have strengthened their coaching setup with the addition of a first-team tactical coach, joining Head Coach John Eustace’s backroom staff ahead of the Championship run-in.
The appointment is designed to enhance the Rams’ tactical preparation and give the team a strategic edge as they navigate the final stages of the season.
Christoph Bühler brings extensive experience from both English and European football, having worked at clubs including Huddersfield Town, Norwich City, Young Boys, and Blackburn Rovers.
His expertise lies in tactical analysis, opponent scouting, and evolving team playing styles, skills Eustace hopes will complement his vision for Derby.
Derby currently sit sixth in the Championship table, chasing promotion to the Premier League, and Eustace believes Bühler’s experience in winning promotion from the Championship will be particularly valuable.
Having been part of Huddersfield Town’s play-off-winning campaign in 2017 under David Wagner, Bühler knows what it takes to succeed at this level.
Bühler explained why joining Derby was a straightforward choice.
“I knew him, and he was speaking highly about John, obviously and I knew him as well, so it was an easy decision then at the end,” he said. H
He also highlighted the influence of Paul Clements, Derby’s goalkeeping coach, with whom he previously worked at Huddersfield and Norwich.
“Yes, I worked with him [Clements] twice at Huddersfield and Norwich.”
Bühler revealed that he and Eustace had been in contact during the head coach’s time at Blackburn Rovers, but the move did not materialise then.
“We were already in contact when he was at Blackburn but it did not happen there. So, we never lost track and stayed in contact and felt now was the right time to come together.”
These prior connections underline a long-standing professional relationship and shared footballing philosophy between Bühler and Eustace, making the decision to join Derby a natural next step.
Eustace told BBC Derby Sport that Bühler’s experience was a key factor in his appointment.
“He’s been in a couple of weeks. We’ve got some fantastic coaches here already, and he’s just here to help the group as well as helping in one or two individual parts as well.
It’s certainly a group effort. He’s got great experience which is going to come in and certainly help. He’s coming in to help with the opposition side of it.
As I say he’s got great experience, he’s been promoted out of the league, he’s worked in the Champions League, he’s worked in the Premier League, so another pair of hands that’s come in to help the group.”
As first-team tactical coach, Bühler’s responsibilities focus on two complementary areas. On opponent analysis, he said:
“On the opponent, give an insight, help us to understand how we can beat them, how we can stop them.”
He studies the strengths and weaknesses of upcoming opponents, providing actionable insight to the coaching staff and helping Eustace tailor Derby’s approach to exploit opportunities while minimising threats.
Bühler also works on supporting Derby’s own game model.
“And then on the other side, having a look on our game model and our style of play, maintain it, evolve it if needed and on matchday bring both together.
Our style of play against the opponents, help him and then support him to get a match plan together.”
He monitors Derby’s tactical structure, ensuring the team’s style of play is maintained, refined, and adapted to specific match scenarios.
“I try to support John on both sides,” he added, summarising his dual focus.
By combining detailed opponent scouting with internal tactical support, Bühler becomes a central figure in preparing Derby for every fixture, ensuring match plans are both strategic and adaptable.
Bühler’s appointment adds a strategic, analytical dimension to Derby’s backroom setup. His experience in England and Europe equips him to enhance match preparation, refine tactics, and help the Rams respond effectively during games.
As the Championship season reaches a critical phase, having a tactical mind like Bühler’s in the backroom could prove decisive.
By merging insights on opponents with a polished execution of Derby’s own style, the team is better positioned to compete against stronger rivals and maximise points in the run-in.
For Eustace and Derby, this move reflects a commitment to tactical innovation, preparation, and long-term progress, equipping the Rams with the tools they need to succeed in one of English football’s most competitive leagues.
With 14 games remaining, including key fixtures against Watford and Hull City, the Rams now have a tactical brain in the backroom with real experience in Championship promotion battles, giving them an extra edge as they chase the Premier League.
