There’s no doubt that in recent weeks, fans have been getting increasingly frustrated at the club’s results.
For every 5-1 win against Peterborough, there are mistakes against Orient. For every 3-0 win at Mansfield, there are mistakes like those against Barnsley. Our form is not great and there’s been the usual ‘sleepwalking towards relegation’ comments that seem to creep in every single season, albeit not usually in March.
In his pre-match interview, Michael Skubala told BBC Radio Lincolnshire‘s Rob Makepeace that he understands the fans’ frustrations and acknowledges that the Crawley game is a big game.
“I think every game is a big game,” said Michael, who came in for criticism during the game at Oakwell on Saturday. “Unfortunately, that’s the world that head coaches live in. As much as everybody says, “This is a big game,” the first game of the season is worth three points, and this is worth three points.
“I understand why fans are frustrated, but there’s no doubt in my mind that every game in league football is a big game. That’s the industry we live in as managers and players.”
Michael admitted that life is a lot easier when things are going to plan. There were big games in the play-off assault last season, but when a win follows a win, they don’t feel quite as big.
“When it’s not going to plan, everyone says it’s a big game. When it is going to plan, it’s not so big. But we live in the world of big games—that’s the profession we’re in, and that’s the pressure and nature of the job.”
While Crawley at home is a big game in supporters’ eyes, it also presents a challenge. The Red Devils may be struggling at the foot of the league, but they’ve scored six goals against us in two matches, one of those the crazy 4-3 win in the FA Cup. That might be a challenge for us given how we’re leaking goals, but it’s a challenge the Head Coach is up for.
“I’m up for the challenge. I know the players and staff are up for the challenge. We just have to keep pushing, keep working the way we believe in, and keep moving forward.”
The team is likely to see a degree of rotation. Sam Clucas, who was suffering with illness at the weekend, is sure to be in line for a start, while both Jovon Makama and Reeco Hackett impressed from the bench. Jovon was also on media duties, meaning he could be in line for a start, while we also expect to see James Collins in the team after he was benched at the weekend.
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