Michael Appleton was in a relaxed mood ahead of the long trip to Plymouth for the cup tie this weekend.
You can discuss what Michael Appleton said earlier today HERE, as well as many other topics on our 100% Imps forum! We have also published a Lincoln City v Plymouth Argyle Quiz, which can be found just below the summary. Every page view helps raise money for Lincoln City Football Club!
Performances – “The group keep surprising me”. MA explained he knew that whilst the players are far better in possession than they showed on Tuesday it is other aspects that have caught his eye; commenting on the battling, organisation, athleticism and fitness qualities before adding, “There’s a real desire to keep the ball out the back of the goal at the moment which is really pleasing”.
Returning to the subject of performances in possession MA referred to the numerous earlier season examples, “When we click, get it right, we can put teams to the sword”.
MA outlined that he expected performances to become really consistent due to the coaching regime as a consequence of the players all knowing their roles and responsibilities. During the week it isn’t simply a case of the players working on the role they will be playing in the next game. Additional work in other areas is implemented to build on player/team development.
Plymouth – “I enjoy a cup run”. MA feels there is less pressure on the match as three points are not at stake but he wants to win and will pick a side that are capable of doing that. Resultingly there will be a few changes; partly because some players deserve and need minutes. It is a good opportunity to continue to keep up fitness levels for those players that are slightly behind the others.
MA sees Plymouth as a decent side from both an ability and playing style perspective. They will play an expansive game entailing three at the back which makes the pitch ‘really big’. He is happy with that as it, “suits us, they’re going to come at us”.
Injury wise with the exception of the strikers the situation is clearing up and ‘we’ are getting back to something like the squad at the beginning of the season. Joe Walsh will train today and may be in contention for Plymouth but no risks will be taken. Zack Elbouzedi should come into contention from possibly next Tuesday with Ethan Ross and Remy Howarth a further week and fortnight later, respectively.
Goal Scoring – “Give me the money to go and get myself a 20 goal a season player in the squad and I’ll do that”. MA passed the comment to emphasise that circumstances dictate that is not realistic so he works at being cuter and wiser. He had recruited a group of players that are capable of scoring from all areas of the pitch.
Lewis Montsma was highlighted as a good example of that policy, having been on the lookout for a defender that had a presence in both boxes. MA is also confident that Adam Jackson and Joe Walsh carry that trait and will be contributing as the season progresses.
Dealing With Long Road Trips – MA outlined the approach to managing lengthy journeys; up to 7 hours in the case of Plymouth. It was a case of good banter, games and who had the best Netflix movies in combination with taking the opportunity to analyse relevant match footage.
When asked about the levels of rowdiness MA joked, “If they get a little bit too loud I just have to rear my head up slightly and they get the message. It’s more the look. Once they get the look they know to wind their neck in”.
Writer: hulloutpost
Have a go at our Lincoln City v Plymouth Argyle Quiz below:
Thank you to Graham Burrell and Lincoln City Football Club for the photograph!
Michael Appleton: "When we click, get it right, we can put teams to the sword."https://t.co/9B0sIWTzKU#PAFC #ImpsAsOne #ProudToBeImps pic.twitter.com/H6YUWkkAMO
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln1) November 26, 2020
