John Coleman is determined his team will go on the attack when they take on Fleetwood Town at the Wham Stadium this weekend.
The Reds boss admitted he was frustrated that his team only had one shot on target in their penalties defeat to Wigan in the Papa John’s Trophy last 32 clash on Tuesday night.
They did score from it but Coleman wants his side to get back to free-flowing football and creating plenty of chances.
“It was one of the lowest points of my football career, we have had some bad games here but you only remember the recent ones,” said the Reds boss, with his side in 14th place in League One after their 1-0 victory over Lincoln last weekend.
“We had one shot on goal at home against Wigan and scored with it – 100 per cent ratio you might say – but that’s not good enough for us.
“It’s something we have got to put right by being positive, believing in what you do and working at what you do.
“The big frustration for me was not being able to pass the ball on a carpet, that’s what annoys me most. I know we can pass the ball, I have seen us do it this season.
“More or less the same team who had one shot on goal on Tuesday night had 25 shots on goal at the Stadium of Light. It doesn’t add up. We have to be more positive in our approach and desire to win games. I don’t like us not exciting the fans.”
Fleetwood are struggling in 22nd place in League One and Simon Grayson, appointed in January, lost his job last month after seven defeats in eight games in all competitions – including a 4-1 loss to Stanley in the Papa John’s Trophy.
In their last seven league encounters, they have lost five and Stephen Crainey is now in caretaker charge of the Cod Army, looking to turn their fortunes around.
“Fleetwood have got good players. I wouldn’t be surprised to see anyone anywhere in League One as it’s such a demanding league,” continued Coleman.
“You could throw all the teams up in the air and let them land, as there are so many good teams and no duck eggs.
“There is not game which can be taken lightly as every team is capable of beating you and you would like to think you are capable of beating everyone else.
“You have to find a formula to try and play well consistently. I have been scrambling around for that this year, more than any recent years but we will get it right.
“Fleetwood are the same. They have tried to curtail their spending, they have good facilities, good players and Saturday will be tough, I have seen them play a few times and they lost 3-2 to Wigan when they were in cruise control in the game 2-0 up and Wigan are one of the form teams in the league.
“They have had a change of manager and sometimes that gives players a bit of ‘oomph.’
“All Stephen Crainey will be focused on is trying to win and that’s the holy grail for any manager.
“That’s easier said than done. Sometimes you go on a run where things just fall into place and you wonder how it’s happened, other times to can’t buy a win and you find ways to snatch defeats from the jaws of victory but you have to keep battling on.
“You can’t underestimate the element of luck in football. Wigan scored a fluke, a deflection, and from there we didn’t play well and they did but up to that point Wigan didn’t look like scoring.
“When you are down it goes against you. When you believe you are unlucky, you generally are unlucky so you have to believe you are going to be lucky.”
Matt Butcher and Joe Pritchard are still around two weeks away from fitness. Captain Seamus Conneely was left out on Tuesday night as a precautionary measure.
The full pre-match interview video with John Coleman is available to watch on the club's official YouTube channel, CLICK HERE to find out more!