Q: A disappointing result. What's your take on the result and the performance?
Mixed. The killer blow was the goal just before half-time. We were a bit unfortunate with the first goal because it's taken a wicked deflection and trickled into the far corner. Second goal we're disappointed with because we didn't affect the ball enough and we didn't deal with the cross so that was hard on us.
A key moment in the second-half was the Kenwyne header because if that goes in maybe, just maybe, it puts us back in the game against a very good Derby side.
Craig Noone of Cardiff City looks dejected after a second Derby goal
Q: Fourth defeat in a row, how worrying is that?
It's a trend we need to stop, of course.
Q: Why did you leave Kenwyne Jones on the bench after six goals in eight games?
Because of the shape we went with, one tall striker down the middle and two pacey outlets down the side.
Q: Did you feel you deserved more from the game?
Look, Derby are a very good side and it was probably a shade comfortable for them when they got the second goal. There were positives today in we kept the ball better than we have done in our last performance and one or two new faces in there and I thought Peltier was outstanding.
Q: Jones' header was the only clear cut chance you created, is that a concern?
I think there were a couple of other half chances. I don't think it was a game of many chances anyway.
Q: Fans made their feelings known at the end. Do you feel under pressure?
No. We're under pressure every day. I have to focus on the team. It's been a difficult period of games for us and we would hope through this period of transition and come out the other side. Who knows, we could put a run together and get some momentum over the coming weeks.
Q: When you came in, the objective was to get to the play-offs. Can you still do that?
It's not impossible. It's becoming a little unrealistic with the amount of points we will have to make up. That's not to say we've given up.
Q: Are you concerned you can get dragged into a relegation fight?
No, not at all.
Derby player Jamie Ward celebrates his goal with Omar Mascarell
Q: Steve McClaren says teams can get into downward spiral. Are you concerned about that?
It can happen, for sure. It's happened to the likes of Wolves in the past. But I don't see it happening we have got.
Q: Do you think then there's a corner turned with the balance of the side?
We worked on keeping possession better and I thought we did that. I thought we were more balanced but I was disappointed with the second goal we conceded because before that we were still firmly in the game.
Q: You said you preferred Alex Revell to Kenwyne...
Alex Revell and Kadeem Harris
No, it's not a preference it's just a fact sometimes you need that running. Alex runs those centre halves down the side, he's full of endeavour, we probably didn't support him well enough in the first period. Kenwyne at any stage can come on and score a goal, we know that. It's not like he scores more goals when he starts than when he doesn't, he scores just as many from the bench. They're both two valued players.
Q: So you're choosing Alex because of his work rate then?
Today, in that particular shape, to start yes – but it might be a different case against Sheffield Wednesday. Who knows?
Q: But can you understand people will find it peculiar you would keep your top scorer on the bench?
For sure, because you want to keep goals in your side so I see that. But I also see what Alex brings to the table. Maybe some people don't see that.
Q: Whittingham playing a different role – what do you make of his contribution?
He probably could have supported Revell better when we had the ball high up the pitch but we also needed to get the ball into Peter a little bit quicker and earlier. That was a theme, sometimes we don't seem to get the ball in or cross in quick enough and we need to play with a greater tempo.
Russell Slade talks to media.
Q: You won three of your first four – now lost seven of last ten. What's happened to bring that contrast in performances and results?
It would be difficult for me to explain in five minutes. It's probably a culmination of a few things: the fact we're in a period of transition with players going, players coming in, trying to get the best XI together and the best shape together. We've also played six out of the top seven teams of late and it's shown we're short of that level at this time. There's no doubt about that, they've got top side of us on every single occasion so it shows where we are.
Q: Are you closer to bringing anybody else in?
Yes. We're still working on that to bring in maybe one or two faces.
Q: Seven points off the bottom three. You say you're not worried about relegation but the form you're in, do you accept that if this form continues it might become an issue?
There's lots of ifs in what you've said. I'm not an iffy person. I'm a positive person and there's no reason we can't win our next game and gain some momentum over the coming weeks. It's been a difficult period to navigate through where we've played some of the top teams and shown we're short of that level.
Q: But fans have been frustrated about the style as well as the results, with you becoming increasingly direct. Is that a concern that the fans are turned off?
The fans want to see a winning team as I do. It doesn't come down to style if you're winning football matches. Saying that, I thought we kept the ball better than we did in the last game.
Q: Yet still struggling to create chances...
Yes, but I do think that was the way the game developed. You have to say it was a game of few chances for both teams.
Q: There had been suggestions Vincent Tan would be here for the game. He didn't attend but have you been in touch with him?
Yes. I spoke to him yesterday and today.
Q: He obviously can't be too enamoured with the form as none of us are?
I'm not going to comment on my conversations with the owner, that's between me and him.
Q & A from WalesOnline