Bristol Rovers’ manager, Darrell Clarke, recently addressed the media to discuss the team’s current situation and their upcoming match against Chesterfield. After a challenging start to the season, Clarke provided insights into the team’s mentality, transfer updates, and his expectations for the game against a strong Chesterfield side.
Addressing Recent Disappointments
Clarke acknowledged the frustrations arising from the team’s recent defeats, including a 2-0 loss to Cambridge United in the Carabao Cup. He likened the team’s development to a jigsaw puzzle, where pieces are constantly being added, removed, and rearranged. While understanding the fans’ desire for immediate success, he emphasised the need for patience as the team works towards building a winning mentality.
“It’s like a jigsaw puzzle,” Clarke explained. “And I know it sounds like…I don’t want to repeat myself, but I’m comfortable with the process of where we need to get to.”
He admitted disappointment with the first two league games, which led to some unrest. The Cambridge United game was seen as an opportunity to give players minutes, but the performance was below par. Clarke stressed the importance of moving on and focusing on the next challenge: a tough away game against Chesterfield.
The Challenge of Relegation and Building a Winning Mentality
Clarke wasn’t surprised by the challenge of rebuilding the team after last season’s relegation. He cited statistics indicating that relegated teams often struggle to bounce back immediately. The transition from a losing mentality to a winning one is difficult, further complicated by a lack of trust between players and fans, and the integration of new players.
Clarke aims to be controlled and measured in his approach, drawing on past experiences in similar situations. While acknowledging the pain of the current situation, he remains confident that better times are ahead. He affirmed that the players are committed to turning things around.
Demanding More from the Squad
Clarke emphasised the importance of resilience and strong mentality within the squad. Players who aren’t fully committed won’t remain at the club for long. He made it clear that players who have been at the club for a while need to deliver better performances, or they risk losing the patience of both the fans and himself.
He also mentioned the need for new players to quickly understand the club’s values and expectations. Clarke believes that players sometimes need support and guidance to regain their confidence.
“The first person I’ll always look at is myself,” Clarke stated. “How can I help my players? Because that’s what I am, a teacher, an educator.” He sees his role as getting into the players’ minds, shaping their mindsets, and providing game plans that can lead to victories.
Transfer Updates and Squad Strengthening
Clarke confirmed that the club are actively working to strengthen the squad. He expects to complete one signing before the weekend and hopes to add more players next week. However, he stressed the importance of bringing in quality players who can immediately challenge for a starting place, rather than just filling squad positions.
“We want better players into the club,” Clarke stated. “We don’t want to be putting average players into a club that becomes squad fillers for me. I’m looking for players to come in to start, to push and to get into the starting 11 because that’s what we need.”
Clarke also indicated that there could be player trading activity right up until the end of the transfer window. He explained that players who have been at the club need to quickly find their rhythm and perform, otherwise, the club may need to explore other options.
The Chesterfield Challenge
Clarke expressed his anticipation for the match against Chesterfield, acknowledging their strong start to the season with two wins out of two. He holds manager Paul Cook in high regard and described him as a straight, honest footballing guy. Clarke expects Chesterfield to be a top-seven team this season, praising their talented squad and management team.
Despite the challenges, Clarke insisted that the team will travel to Chesterfield with a plan and the hope of executing it. He noted that, given their current form, few would expect them to get a result.
Managing Players and Addressing Frustration
Clarke discussed the importance of understanding individual players and tailoring his approach accordingly. Some players respond better to a softer approach, while others need a more direct “kick up the backside.” He also stressed that a player’s mindset is crucial. He used an analogy of a house on fire, saying that some people run towards the fire with water, while others run away. He wants players who will face challenges head-on.
Clarke wasn’t surprised by the audible frustration from the fans during Tuesday night’s game. He acknowledged that fans have the right to express their opinions. He believes that the fans give the team every opportunity to perform but will also let them know when they’re not happy. He and the players need to deal with that.
The Importance of Psychology
Clarke highlighted the importance of psychology in football management. He has individual meetings with players to understand their mindsets and address their concerns. He believes that being a psychologist is an essential part of being a manager.
Loan Move for Micah Anthony
Clarke addressed questions about Micah Anthony’s absence from the squad. He stated that Anthony needs to go out on loan to gain experience playing men’s football. While he scored a goal against Oxford, Clarke hasn’t seen enough in training to justify his inclusion in the first-team squad at this stage.
In conclusion, Darrell Clarke’s press conference offered a candid assessment of Bristol Rovers’ current situation. He acknowledged the challenges facing the team, outlined his plans for improvement, and emphasised the importance of resilience, mentality, and squad strengthening. The upcoming match against Chesterfield presents a tough test, but Clarke remains confident that the team can turn things around with hard work and determination.