Steven Pressley has praised the attitude of the players since his arrival...
Coventry City manager Steven Pressley has praised the ‘attitude and application’ of his players ahead of the crucial home game against Colchester United.
The Scot, who was unveiled as City manager last Friday, experienced his first three points with the Sky Blues in his first game in charge at Scunthorpe.
Leon Clarke’s second-half winner put Pressley’s side just five points of the play-offs in the League One table and the City boss wants to see the same desire against the U’s.
Pressley said: “I was obviously delighted to get the first win at the weekend and it sets us up well for the game against Colchester.
“I have been asked repeatedly since I got here about the home form and how we can change it. The players can’t get caught up on the issue but instead concentrate on their own game.
“It can obviously work as a distraction if the players get caught up in the statistics so they have to switch the mind-set.
“I can’t praise the players enough since I arrived. The work-rate and application I have seen from the squad has been first-rate and that needs to continue.
“If I can get that same application out of them in every training session and every match-day, I am sure we can turn that home form around.”
Colchester are currently sat in 19th position in League One but Pressley doesn't want his side to underestimate their opponents.
He added: “They are a good football side who like to play it around from the videos I have seen of them.
“We need to match them and rise above it. I like my teams to play it around and play a passing style of football.
“The players have to be encouraged to take the ball under pressure and deal with it under pressure. I saw plenty of positive signs at the weekend but we need to make sure we are continuing that style.
“The reason we won the game at the weekend was because we combined two sides of the game. We passed it well but also played to a high tempo and kept the pressure on. I am sure if we can repeat that, then another crucial three points we be in sight.”