Looking ahead to the Cheltenham fixture, Mark Kennedy was not concerned about any drop in performance levels due to fatigue, with the West Ham United cup tie having taken place as recently as Wednesday night.
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West Ham Game: MK was a proud man after a fantastic performance. Every player did themselves justice, stepped up to the plate and put in a performance. Whilst disappointed to be out of the cup, that’s gone now, (Imps) move on to the next game.
Injury Problems: “I’m a big believer in looking forwards and not looking backwards. You’ll end up driving yourself nuts by worrying about what you haven’t got. Have I been deflated by all the bad news – one hundred per cent. Do I hide it when I come in sometimes – one hundred per cent. But actually on the whole I’m a huge believer in really focussing on what you have and not what you haven’t got…..looking forward and impacting the future”
The latest injury setback applies to Jack Vale. The striker had been playing some agreed ‘in house’ games at Blackburn ahead of imminently joining the Imps. Unfortunately, he tweaked (something) last Sunday and will be out for a further (unspecified) period.
MK had much better news on Danny Mandroiu, who hates not playing and is someone who will push himself through pain; stating unequivocally the player will be available for Cheltenham which has benefits on several levels. His inclusion will provoke many discussions about the starting XI, substitutes and positions for players. This is akin to the start of the season where players were not even getting to the bench.
“Danny will give us that option again, whereas the last few games we’ve been just filling the bench (numbers)”.
Miscellaneous: Hakeeb Adelakun’s return to the first team has introduced a different dimension in his long throws which are exceptional. Due to his lack of football HA has been coming off after 70 minutes but it is still useful to have Lasse Sorensen and Sean Roughan to take over long throws when appropriate at that time. Having studied long throws, most goals come from second contacts whether that leads to an own goal or something else, therefore the aim is not necessarily all about the first contact from a throw.
MK discussed the best utilisation of a couple of younger players at this stage of their careers. He sees Dylan Duffy and Jovon Makama having a better chance of showcasing their abilities and impacting a game when they come off the bench. Earlier on in a game it tends to be more disciplined whereas later on a game is looser or less structured.
Cheltenham Town: MK does not expect any mental or physical fatigue after-effects following an intense game against West Ham on Wednesday. During his own career, MK recalled being barely fit after injury and coming off the bench early in a game before going on to play thirty-five further games on the bounce. At the recent West Ham v Liverpool game MK had been surrounded by former players from his generation, that churned out games week after week on the way to winning top trophies. Football may have changed a bit since then, but not that much. The players at Lincoln are tough and robust; their mindset and approach is not in doubt either.
It is not a colossal gap in opponent, going from West Ham to Cheltenham over such a small time frame in isolation. Big differences are only evident over a whole season. MK is minded not to be distracted over Cheltenham’s failure to score a goal this season. Aidan Keane is a good striker as MK knows his game very well. The Robins have some good players including some who had been of interest to the Imps themselves. For whatever reason Cheltenham have suffered bad luck whilst putting in good performances. Versus Stevenage they had 60% possession, striking the post and bar during that game. Unless the Imps play to their potential it is a game the Imps will not win.
Writer: hulloutpost
MK: "You'll end up driving yourself nuts by worrying about what you haven't got."https://t.co/nMIb7gKE40#WeAreImps #CTFC
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) September 29, 2023
