Rob Elliot says Carlisle United must take the lessons from last weekend’s defeat to Worthing into Saturday’s trip to Yeovil Town.
United were beaten 3-2 by Worthing despite dominating large periods of their opening-day contest, with Elliot keen for his side to respond positively on the road.
The Blues Head Coach believes the week has been productive, having since analysed the defeat.
He said: “It’s been a good week in terms of the reaction from Saturday. Obviously, really disappointed with the result, especially how dominant we were pretty much in every aspect of the game, other than where it matters.
“It’s about making sure you watch the game without emotion. I think that always helps. You get that clarity, and we demanded that same performance from the lads because the performance overall was really good.
“The amount of attacking opportunities we created, they obviously didn’t have a shot or register an entry into our box until the 65th minute.”
Elliot also highlighted the importance of learning to handle the expectations that come with playing for United.
“It’s about talking to the lads about the resilience of playing, the demands that are put on playing for this club and what we expect, and making sure that we learn to deal with that.
“It’s a really good group. They do care, and we need to make sure that we handle any situation because we’re expected to win every game, and rightly so.
"We need to manage that throughout the moments of the games better.”
He believes there were fewer problems within the performance than initially felt immediately after the final whistle, with the defeat ultimately decided by a handful of key moments.
“When you review it back, the initial emotion, even myself included, was that the second half got away from us. But then it was mainly moments.
“They got into our box six times in the whole second half, not once in the first half. I think there was a bit of edginess and a bit of anxiety setting in with the players and obviously with the crowd.
“When you’re 1-0 up and so dominant and then from their first attack they score, it’s about managing that.”
Elliot wants his players to retain the positive elements of their performance while becoming better equipped to deal with setbacks.
“The big thing I’ve demanded from the lads is the performance. I think the performance overall was excellent, and we have to make sure we stick to that and stick to the things we did well for the first 65 minutes.
“Then obviously handle any setbacks that come our way. I think that’s the challenge for this team.
“I don’t want us to come away from the performance and what we’ve done, because it has been excellent. Pre-season has been good considering the amount of injuries, and I want us to make sure we just keep getting better.”
Despite Saturday’s trip being a long one, Elliot insists the Blues will not alter their approach away from home.
“The travel is not an excuse. It’s part of being a footballer, and it’s a responsibility to make sure you perform.
“The big thing for me is that I don’t think we need to change who we are, whether we’re home or away.
“We expect to go and win every game, no matter who we’re playing, whether that’s in the Cups or the league. But we show respect to our opponents, and Yeovil definitely have our respect.”
Elliot expects the Glovers to provide another stern test, with the hosts having added several players to their squad during the summer.
“They’re a very good team. It’s a big club, and I think they’ve added well.
"But for me, I want us to concentrate on us and concentrate on what we do and make sure that we just get better from last Saturday in every department.”
He explains the squad has retained its intensity throughout the week, with the defeat serving as a learning experience rather than damaging confidence.
“It’s been there the whole time, and I thought Saturday it was there. Like I said, it’s just a learning.
“We’ve got to learn. The only thing we can do from Saturday is learn and adapt and get better.
“If we do that going into the game Saturday, then I think we’ll get the result.”
Elliot also discussed the arrival of goalkeeper Adam Desbois, who has joined the Blues to strengthen the goalkeeping department following Gabriel Breeze's departure.
“He’s a fantastic character. He’s a real winner. He’s got some brilliant attributes in terms of his distribution and his shot-stopping, and he’s fitted in really well.
“He’s really added to that goalkeeping department. Obviously, with Gabe leaving, we needed to make sure that we recruited well with Archie (Mair) as well.
“Ad’s definitely fitted the mould, and he’s someone that we’re excited to get going and for the fans to see.”
Elliot also paid tribute to Gabe Breeze following his departure, praising the goalkeeper for the way he embraced his opportunity at the Blues.
“He’s a fantastic lad. There’s a lot of interest in him, I had good chats with him, and he said he wanted to take the opportunity if it came and push himself.
“I think the club didn’t want to stand in his way. They wanted to make sure that he got sorted.
“I’m sure he’ll be remembered fondly because there’s nothing better than seeing young lads come through the club and do well.”
Elliot expects Yeovil to pose a similar challenge to Worthing, with the hosts likely to look to dominate possession and build patiently.
“They’re really well organised. They like to dominate the ball and use the ball well. They’ve made some really good signings, players that I’m sure Carlisle fans will be aware of.
“It’s their first home game, so there’ll be a lot of positivity and a good atmosphere. They’ll be looking to start the season strongly.
“It’ll be a good test for us to deal with that. It’s our challenge to counteract it and make sure we get on top and dominate and stop their threats as best we can.”
With a large travelling support expected at Huish Park, Elliot is determined to give the supporters something to celebrate.
“It’s everything, isn’t it? We want to win. We come here to win. Everything we do is to win.
“We’re trying to create a culture here. We’re trying to create an identity. We’re trying to take the club forward with younger, hungrier players.
“Going away from home is a brilliant challenge for us. When fans give up their time and their money to travel and support the club in the numbers that they do, we want to make sure that the first thing is that we work hard.
“We give absolutely everything for the badge and especially for the fans who travel.
“Hopefully we send them home with three points.”
