Press news in...

Manning will hold his pre-match press conference at 3️⃣pm this afternoon.
-----------------------------------------------------------

LM on last night: Two lenses for me. The emotion of the last 20 mins. But take a step back and watching it again in the first half their keeper is more busier than ours. But we don't take our chances. That heightens the anxiety. We have to be more ruthless. That will come.

LM: We are quite clear that second half was not where we want to be

LM: If we were a million miles away from these teams, I'd be worried. But that is not the case.

LM: If we want players to make decisions that is new for some of them. Some players will be programmed to play in a certain way. You don't change that overnight.

LM: I know what turns this. Staying calm, being analytical. That doesn't mean we accept it or are happy with it but you have to understand these periods come with change.

LM: It is crazy after three league games to be making judgements. Esp when we have some new lads coming into this league from overseas, Of course within 24 hours of a game you have that emotional reaction. But you have to get past that. I am trying to build the blocks so we are successful at the end of a season. You always see teams coming flying in the last 10, 15 games of a season.

LM: Blackburn away will be tough. But the margins at this level are so fine. You can play fantastically well and still lose. But we have to relish the opportunity at Blackburn

LM: You have to choose what you carry forward from the past. We have to turn up on Saturday and be present. Not worry about what has happened previously.
Blackburn have had a mixed start as well. Won last game. We never underestimate how difficult it is to win a game at this level. But they will be well-organised.

LM on Cantwell: You have to have a level of awareness of everyone in their team. Not just Todd. We give the lads the info they need but it is more about on us and what we can do. We have to be harder to beat.

LM: I don't really know what the issue with formation. We had the control in the first half and same against Middlesbrough. Same as Millwall for 30 mins. The next bit is turning that control into chances and goals. If we take those chances and don't give teams goals then people aren't speaking about formations. That hasn't cost us in these past two games. It is basic errors. A cheap turnover. A poor duel. Or not being clincial at the top end of the pitch.

LM on George Long: Where George is at he wants to compete and play and that was not the case here. We were slightly heavier on numbers so it made sense for both sides.

LM on Slimane: We are up front and honest. They are contracted. If they work hard and prepare properly you never rule anyone out. But it is also being transparent if opps are going to be limited and hard to come by.

LM on any incoming transfers: It is so fluid. Lots can happen at this time of the window.

LM on Gibbs: A big step forward for him last night and a pre-season to build up that tolerance after his injuries. I thought he was neat and tidy and showed some good attributes. I worked with him when he was a very young player. It was a good chance for me to see him there in that role. He is a very good all-round footballer. That probably means he has been a victim in the past because he can play a number of positions. But I see it as a strength.

LM on Topic: Been really pleased with him. How he drives forward. He should score last night when he hits the bar. Really confident he has shown huge progress already in his time with us in terms of adapting to the league.

LM on Darling: It is always about that right blend of consistency, continuity and leadership. Harry brings all of those.

LM on squad fitness: Players are in this afternoon so we'll find out more. Recovery mode this morning.

LM on Jurasak: I thought he stepped up. I enjoyed his risk-taking and the personality he showed. He has really stepped up in training last two or three weeks.

LM on Stacey: He was in yesterday. Still has some symptoms. Not available this weekend. No other injuries I am aware of.

----------------------------------------------------------

That's all from Coolknee.

Posted By: DrDublin on August 27th 2025 at 15:19:44

Message Thread

Reply to Message

In order to add a post to the WotB Message Board you must be a registered WotB user.

If you are not yet registered then please visit the registration page. You should ensure that their browser is setup to accept cookies.

Log in