John Coleman wants his players to be fired up after the Carabao Cup 12-11 penalty loss to Tranmere and take it out on Burton Albion in League One on Saturday.
Coleman described the penalty defeat as ‘gut-wrenching’ with the Reds 2-0 up at half-time before Rovers equalised with almost the last kick of the game.
The Reds boss said he is still upset about the result but hopeful his players can take their frustrations out on Burton, who have lost all their three games so far this season.
“It was gut-wrenching but in the cold light of day, Tranmere had more shots on target than us,” said Coleman.
“Tranmere had three, we had two and, I know we had a big share of the play and had chances galore, but they have stuck at the task and deserved to go through because of that.
“We have got to rue a very big missed opportunity. We have to lick our wounds and let the pain drive you onto the next game.
“I am still blazing over it but you have to get over it. We only have ourselves to blame and there are no excuses, we were the masters of our own downfall.
“We have to be stronger and we have got to learn from that.
“I hope the players are hurting as much as me and hopefully we will bounce back on Saturday.”
The Reds have taken four points from their opening two league games.
“There is still room for massive improvement,” continued Coleman. “But we are just getting disjointed with injuries at the moment and that’s taken its toll on us.
“Ryan Astley has done well when he has come in and Harvey Rodgers has been our best player so far so that’s two big positives. Harvey is a shining light to anyone. There were times he wasn’t even in the squad last year so to battle back and be a valuable member of our team is good for him.
“Dan Martin had an accomplished debut so that’s pleasing while Kody Adedoyin is looking like he is going to be a handful. Whoever has to play has to step up to the plate.
“It’s just frustrating that Touray Sisay suffered a calf injury just after he signed while Baba (Fernandes) will soon get used to way we are playing. We will possibly bring one or two more in before the window shuts.”
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s side have lost all their three games so far, conceding nine goals without scoring, but Coleman thinks this makes them dangerous.
“It’s very, very early days and you are always looking to amass points but, if you look on the ten game mark, you want to have a healthy balance.
“We feel we are capable of winning every game but we also know that we are capable of losing every game.
“You can have freak results, where things don’t go for you. They are dangerous opponents teams like that as they are desperate to get the season on track.
“We have to be on our mettle and ignore what’s gone on in the previous two games as they will have no bearing on Saturday. We have to get our heads down and work hard and keep our organisation and play to our strengths.
“We have to keep believing we can beat anyone here and pick up the points on the road.
“Our fans very rarely get on the players’ backs, all they do is encourage and that’s so advantageous to a footballer. We have a lot of positivity here and it shows in our performance.”
Jay Rich Baghuelou is out for the season, Sisay has a calf injury while Michael Nottingham and David Morgan are still sidelined.
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!