Ahead of Carlisle United's Enterprise National League clash against Eastleigh at Brunton Park, we spoke to Head Coach Mark Hughes.
Speaking to CUTV, he discussed enjoying the pressure of topping the table, the importance of rest and recuperation and Mission 10K.
Here is everything we learnt:
1. Flying colours after a testing spell
“It was a period that was going to test us, but we came through with flying colours. A lot of travelling, going up against good opposition, but coming out the other side with exactly what we wanted, really pleasing.”
2. Top of the league and thriving under pressure
“We were the later kick-off; results before didn’t do us any favours, but we came through that test.
“We talked before the Southend game about whether we could still be top by the end of proceedings. A little bit of pressure on us because results before didn’t go our way, but we needed to win and we did. A lot of pleasing aspects to the last couple of weeks.”
3. Belief is building throughout the squad
“We’re a third in and we’re top of the pile, why wouldn’t we have belief?
“The key thing before the season started was to begin well and give ourselves a platform to attack later on. We’ve done that, and it’s a good job too because a lot of teams are on similar runs. We’re going to have to win more than we lose, clearly.”
4. Enjoying the pressure that comes with being top
“My view is always, enjoy those games.
“The game at the weekend is one we’ve got to be careful about. They’ve made a change in management, and we can’t underestimate them; people might perceive Eastleigh at home as easier, but we’re placing exactly the same significance on it as Southend.”
5. Information, responsibility and a goal threat
“Everybody knows their role. Everybody’s taking that responsibility seriously.
“We’ve got a goal threat, and that brings confidence to the group. Everyone understands their role, and even if you’re not the one scoring, you’re contributing to taking games away from the opposition.”
6. Togetherness makes all the difference
“We’ve got a group now that really feels part of what we’re trying to do.
“Team spirit is easy when you’re winning, harder when times are tough. Last year, some players were a bit detached, but now everyone feels part of what we’re doing; that’s significant, and we’ll build on it.”
7. Expecting a physical test from Eastleigh
“They’re quite direct, good physicality, and we’ll have to defend at a high level.
“They like to get the ball wide and put plenty of crosses in. We’ll have to defend like we did against Southend and try to stop those balls at source. It won’t be easy, but if we do what we’ve been doing, we’ll get chances.”
8. Balancing rest and preparation
“They deserved a bit of time to recover after what they’ve achieved.
“We gave them a bit of time early in the week to recover; they deserved that. We came in yesterday for a bonding day, trained exceptionally well today, and we’re looking forward to a big crowd and hopefully a win for the fans.”
9. Recovery time key after a demanding run
“It was important to give them time with their families to regroup.
“Everyone was feeling it a bit after the travelling. The lads have come through it really strongly, so time with their families was important, we’ve got another busy spell ahead and we want to stay in a good position come Christmas.”
10. Fitness updates
“We’ll check Junior (Luamba) again; he played a part today, and hopefully, there’s no reaction.
“Bevis (Mugabi) is joining in parts of training, not ready yet, but progressing well. Terell's (Thomas) had an operation and will be out until after Christmas, but it went well with no complications.”
11. Mission 10K
“We’re used to big crowds and we’re enjoying playing in front of them.
“No pressure, we’re enjoying it. The fans have been brilliant, coming out in numbers and making a real difference. We want more of the same this weekend.”
12. Fans, unity, and a club moving forward
“Hopefully, we’re starting to bring those supporters back, and they’re enjoying watching us play.
“We felt that if we started the season well and got on a run, we’d re-engage with everyone and bring back supporters who maybe drifted away. Hopefully, we’re doing that now and people are enjoying what they see.”
Watch the full interview on CUTV HERE!
