Michael Appleton was galvanised about new signing Zack Elbouzedi and the potential for further signings ahead of the clash with Coventry City at St. Andrews on Saturday.
Zack Elbouzedi: He brings pace at the top of the pitch but what impressed and surprised MA more about Zack when watching him was his decision making. A lot of players at L1 do well until they reach the box but then choose the wrong option. Having observed Zack he tends to make the right pass or cross. Zack has dealt well with the disappointment/frustration of stepping back from his earlier career, demonstrating his hunger and desire to do better to play as high as possible. MA is hopeful with the club going forward that Imps will give him exactly that opportunity.
January Transfer Window: There is ‘A Hell of a lot of work’ going on behind the scenes to bring players in. The better players always have a number of clubs interested so it requires patience with a bit of a waiting game. It is important to ensure that ‘you’ are in the frame by making the players feel wanted whilst simultaneously providing an opportunity to progress. The outcomes will be dependant to a degree on agents and the other clubs involved but MA was bullish when stating there are, ‘Plenty of people we have a right good chance of getting. We’ll find out in the next week or so’.
On current loan players, MA felt it was inappropriate to discuss their futures at this juncture as it would be a distraction ahead of an important run of games. MA sees it as etiquette and important to talk with all the players in the squad – not simply the loanees – as they need to know they are involved.
Coventry: MA does not see Coventry having to play at St. Andrews as a disadvantage for them as they have clearly adapted well. They are a resolute club having dealt with adversity over a number of years channelling an ‘us against them’ mentality to their advantage. Mark Robins lost a number of players during the Summer but has had the opportunity to rebuild. Coventry are seen throughout the division as a good footballing side based around possession. They will play with either 3 or 4 at the back. They are an exciting side going forward so Imps will have their hands full to prevent that. Bossie has come through last week ‘fine, great, he looks lean mean, ready to go’.
Who Are The League One Managers? No.8: Mark Robins (Coventry City)
Will The Imps win, lose or draw against Coventry City?
Win
Lose
Draw
Overview: The last two results haven’t been about lifting pressure, rather it has given belief to the players. The next 4 or 5 games will provide a good indicator of where the club are at. MA would argue that Imps best performances have featured versus the better teams so over the next few games when City play most of them (bar Wycombe) he hopes for more of the same with the rub of the green and good luck featuring. If the players are ‘off it’ then City will get punished but MA sees no reason after Xmas and New Year to emerge from some difficult fixtures with nothing to fear. Away support has given the players a massive boost so MA called on the fans for more of the same.
Writer: hulloutpost
MA: "There should be nothing to fear once we get Christmas and New Year out of the way."https://t.co/GR5BtdzOQL#PUSB #ImpsAsOne #ProudToBeImps
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) December 19, 2019
https://www.facebook.com/VitalLincolnCity/posts/2603152059721023
