On bouncing back from last weekend’s loss:
The way we let the game slip last week was disappointing. However, I was still more disappointed with our first loss, to Evesham United, and now we have the chance to bounce back. The players know what they need to do, it was easy to get them motivated, and now we have to focus on tomorrow’s game.
On taking advantage of game states:
We need to make advantages count. However, I’ve been in teams where we’ve played against 10 men, and they’ve had a boost that teams with the extra man haven’t. Now, we need the mentality that all the top teams have. The likes of Manchester City don’t care who they play against, they’ll beat teams five, six, or seven-nil. That’s what we have to do. We had enough chances to win the game, but we didn’t take them and left ourselves open.
On the key to being ruthless in games:
Ruthlessness comes from concentration levels. Whether that’s making the right save, winning the right header, or being in the right position, these are all ruthless things that the players need to do. A striker, for example, may not touch the ball all game, until they find themselves in the right position and they score. Concentration is huge for me. That’s what players at the top level have.
On the team’s next steps:
There’s no panic – the players just need to believe in themselves. Look at Manchester United, they’re building slowly, but they are improving. We just need to keep building. We can’t wave a magic wand. But, we’ve got good people at the club. Everyone is heading in the same direction
On injury updates:
Calvin Brooks has been a big miss for us. From a fan point of view, it’s great to have a quick succession of games, but it’s harder for a part-time footballer.
On Bracknell Town:
We know tomorrow will be a difficult game. They’ve got good players – very good players – who have played at high levels. We need to make sure we’re ready. Those in the team tomorrow will need to take pride in who they’re playing for.
On putting on a good performance for the fans:
I want to see a good performance!
We played well against Plymouth Parkway, and I was more disappointed after Evesham than Sholing, because we didn’t perform that game. The fans have been brilliant, and I know how much it must hurt them when we’re not winning. But, they’ve been a great support, and they can play a massive part tomorrow, as they always do.
Interview by
Jack Webb
