Michael Skubala has been talking to press ahead of the Imps clash with Luton Town this weekend.
We face the Hatters in a 12:30 kick off, with the potential to go top before the 3 pm matches. However, when speaking in his pre-match press conference, available on Imps+, Michael stressed that league tables and early kick-offs were of little consequence at this moment in time.
“I think it’s one of those things media and fans talk about, but for us there’s nothing different. It’s still just as important when it’s 12:30 or 3,” he said of an earlier kick off. “Because it’s at home, it’s not too bad. The only thing that changes is players have to prepare earlier in the morning.”
Similarly, while fans look at league tables right now, with 38 games to go, it all means very little, and Michael explained how winning matches, not climbing leagues, was the current focus.
“I’m not bothered about the table at this point. It might sound a cliché, but until we’re past January it doesn’t mean much. The focus is on getting as many points on the board as possible. For every opposition, we set up a team we think can beat them, whether it’s Luton, Chelsea or Peterborough. That’s our process and the coaches work hard to get the team ready to win.”
The depth of the squad is coming to the fore, and with Ryley Towler and Rob Street back, there will be plenty to choose from. Our head coach explained one method of doing so was a behind-closed-doors friendly this week.
“We just have to make sure we top players up. We did an in-house, behind-closed-doors friendly on Tuesday. People won’t know that, but it was about making sure the group that’s not playing so many minutes are ready. They’re going to be needed, whether it’s this week or next, as we get into the business of the season.”
People might not know that, but a little birdie told me it was against Doncaster Rovers, and we had a mix of first teamers and academy players out. I believe the score, the unimportant part, was 3-1, and a certain Stacey West Patreon-sponsored Erik Ring scored, and looked impressive.
However, Ring is one of the players likely to be fighting for a place on the bench. That also goes for loan signings Dexter Lembikisa and Justin Obikwu, while Towler and Street will also want their places back.
“It’s the toughest part because you have to let players down if they’re not in the team or the squad,” added Michael. “But that’s what we want, competitive places. Training levels are fantastic at the minute. One of the ways they get in your mind is by training well every day.
“The bench is also a challenge, as we can only have seven. Some people will be left out, not because they’re playing badly, but tactically.”
Two players likely to make the first XI are James Collins and Sonny Bradley, themselves former Hatters. The big choices will come at left back, Reach or the returning Towler set to start. Frankie Okoronkwo did well in his cameo, but it’s likely Rob Street will return to the side, with Reeco Hackett back on his favoured left.
After that, whether Ben House or Freddie Draper gets the nod is the only other question that is really pressing, with Adam Jackson likely to once again partner former Hatters captain Bradley.
You can hear Michael’s full interview here.
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