Ahead of the Portsmouth fixture at Fratton Park, Mark Kennedy was having no truck about feeling sorry for himself regarding the decimation of his striking options through injury.
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You can discuss what Mark Kennedy has said ahead of this match here, or in the comments at the bottom as well as get involved with our pre-match discussion, and many other topics on our 100% Imps forum!
Derby County EFL Trophy Match: MK always goes with as strong a line-up as he can with the intention of winning every game. After all, if he loses games, MK loses his job. As such there are no free hits and even though it was necessary to protect the squad from further injuries due to the number of setbacks in that area, MK does not award minutes to players who do not deserve or warrant them, nor would do the club an injustice.
Therefore MK expected Jovon (Makama), Oisin (Gallagher) and Jay (Benn) to look good and they did.
“It doesn’t always work like that but I was pleased for them more than anybody”.
MK went on to espouse the benefits to Jay Benn of a quality loan move. The reason Jay played so well is precisely because of his loan opportunity at a really good side competing at the top of the league. It shows that the idea and principles behind the loan are correct.
“If Jay Benn was in the building he would be really pushing Lasse (Sorensen) hard for sure”.
If such form continues there may be a point where MK considers recalling the player.
Injuries: MK was clear that so far as injuries go, “that’s life” and he will not be heard complaining. At a recent team meeting, MK was adamant he did not want to hear any negativity regarding the loss of his players. He told the players:
“We’ve got a squad, that’s what you’re all here for. One man’s loss is another man’s gain”.
MK pointed out that in reality, it is through injuries that nearly every young player gets their initial opportunity in the game; even the best ones.
Portsmouth: MK will never give any indication away pre-game of adaptations to the side (due to injury on this occasion) as he does not want to concede small margins or get involved in mind games. He knows some managers like to get involved in that, but MK does not wish to be involved in matters of that nature, much preferring to always concentrate on his own side.
MK was fulsome in his praise for Regan Poole, the player, the person and his character. It was notable that even when Regan was going to move on he never failed to put his body on the line and was a superb captain right to the end matches. Pompey the club, the manager and the fans are outstanding and find themselves top having both retained a number of players and made multiple additions.
If there is one game to look out for when the fixtures come out, this is it.
Writer: hulloutpost
MK: "It doesn't always work like that but I was pleased for them more than anybody."https://t.co/xYtayQdNLH#Pompey #Portsmouth #WeAreImps
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) September 21, 2023
