GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - APRIL 16: Shaun Maloney, Manager of Hibernian FC reacts prior to the Scottish Cup Semi Final match between Heart Of Midlothian FC and Hibernian FC at Hampden Park on April 16, 2022 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Wigan Athletic boss makes ‘competitive’ claim ahead of Portsmouth test
And he believes the players have shown they have it in them to bounce back from last weekend’s mauling at Bristol Rovers when League One leaders Portsmouth visit the DW on Saturday.
When asked whether he’d seen ‘the right mentality’ on the training ground, Maloney replied “I did today (Thursday).
“The first couple of days this week, we worked on certain things we need to do better in both boxes, something I was really big on when I first came in.
“But Thursday was the first time I noticed a real change in the mentality.
“I’ve mentioned in previous weeks how competitive the squad is, and how competitive I need it to be.
“And Thursday was probably the first time I’ve felt I’ve watched a really competitive training session.
“We have to bring that in every single game but, as I always say, it has to start every single day in training.”
Rather than being daunted by the visit of the early third tier pacesetters, Maloney can’t wait for the chance to right the wrongs of last weekend.
“We wanted a game in midweek, because the best part of football is playing games, and competing,” he said.
“Portsmouth is a brilliant game, they’re one of the biggest teams in the league, and we know what we need to do from a mentality point of view.
They’ve had a fantastic start to the season, but they’ve only won one more game than us.
“They are a good team and will look to try to play through us, they have a really good No.9, who is really good on long balls, so let’s go toe to toe, and see what we have.”
Maloney is facing selection problems of a very welcome kind, with the luxury of a virtual fully-fit squad to choose from.
Steven Sessegnon – who featured for the Under-21s early in the week – is still not ready for first-team football.
