Ahead of the key fixture versus Wigan Athletic, Michael Skubala explained that team focus at this point remained firmly fixed on the Imp’s own performances rather than what other sides are doing.
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You can discuss what Michael Skubala has said ahead of this match here, and get involved with our pre-match discussion!
Wigan Athletic: The Latics are a really good team, well-coached. Having watched them versus Charlton in midweek, MS recognized that Wigan are capable of hurting the opposition, notably they are great with the ball. Again, like Reading they are in a false position.
Being a home fixture it will be imperative to take the game to Wigan. “We have to try and stamp our authority on the game and then see if we can get the job done”.
Injury wise it may be a case of one in, one out as Teddy Bishop has ‘felt’ his hamstring, whilst Danny Mandroiu has resumed training. Otherwise, the squad are ok bar a few niggles but MS doesn’t want to give too much away.
Will There Be One Eye on the Games Involving Play-Off Rivals?: Simply put, the Imps have to try and win every game – if ‘we’ can’t win then don’t lose – keep picking up the points and reassess closer to the end of the season.
“I honestly believe we’ve just got to look after ourselves on the day and what will be, will be”.
The Imps can only control how well their own preparation and performances are in hope of the achieving three points. Other things (opponents) are beyond control.
Time for the Fans: It’s important that the fans enjoy the play-off push but there is jeopardy connected to game outcomes now, which understandably will bring them nervousness. The team will really need the fans behind them on Saturday.
“Keep singing, keep pushing the team. I know it’s nervous times for fans but….. get behind the team and keep pushing because they’ve done that all season really well; and don’t stop doing that because it’s amazing how well that can push us on”.
As for the players and staff, it’s not a case of enjoying ‘it’ but more about focusing on what ‘we’ do. Perhaps there can be enjoyment afterwards.
New Club Record in the Offing: MS has not given any thought to the possibility of the Imps setting a new club record for consecutive home games without conceding a goal.
The probability is that the fine defensive record is down to the collective will of the eleven to get the ball back. The players really fight for one another from front to back. Then when called upon the centre-halves and goalkeepers on the day have been amazing.
“Really it’s a big team effort”.
Even though MS likes the team to be aggressively front foot, the defensive side of the game is all part of the game and cycle within that.
Writer: hulloutpost
Thank you to Andrew Vaughan and Lincoln City Football Club for the photograph!
Skubala: "We have to try and stamp our authority on the game."https://t.co/5Ts4GLwzO6#WeAreImps #WAFC #EFL
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) April 12, 2024
