If you’ve never heard of Nuno Espirito Santo, you may have in the future. His side battled valiantly at the City Ground, but unfortunately that was not enough. The loss placed extreme pressure on the team. They’re getting ready for home stretch of their own campaign now which is just four fixtures long. Espirito Santo further emphasised that there can be no half measures from his players in these closing encounters. He thinks it’s particularly important for them to win through to a successful close to the season.
Following the match, Espirito Santo couldn’t hide his disappointment over his squad’s showing. He admitted they have been struggling, especially in terms of focus and willpower. What I do see is belief, desire and commitment. We’re losing in some key areas of our game, namely where it counts the most—in focus, in resolve, in sheer lack of quit. We have to approach the straightforward cases with a more common sense approach.
Importance of Returning to Winning Ways
Espirito Santo emphasized that going back to their winning ways is “extremely important” for his side. Under massive duress, yet he remains unflappable. He’s confident that this team can regroup and play a much better set of matches ahead. He noted the need for them to relearn who they are and how they play.
“I’m concerned about us. How can we compete against Palace? How can we be ourselves again? How can we be dominant even when we don’t have the ball?” he questioned. What’s more, Espirito Santo is adamant that discovering it again is the key to it becoming a successful version of the team in those last few fixtures.
The Road Ahead
Though they’re struggling now, Espirito Santo once again emphasized that the team’s tendency to bounce back has been proven time and again. The key thing he emphasized was really how they play together as a unit. They always have each other’s back on the field, often frustrating attackers’ attempts to take advantage of a momentary miscommunication or slip-up.
We have definitely communicated and been vocal about how we want to play on both sides of the ball. Our identity is being small and strong. We don’t concede opportunities,” he said. Espirito Santo was quick to say that their opponents have to work harder for wins against them. With all respects to Brentford, it was too easy for them,” he finished.
With the season drawing to a close, Espirito Santo’s side will have to focus on their positives. They need to be aiming higher in their last games. That manager’s plea for dedication hits home as the Camden-based club seeks to wrap the season up on an especially high note.
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