'There's definitely enough in this group to turn things around'
Waterford FC Head Coach Graham Coughlan pictured after the game against Derry City. Photos: Noel Browne
Waterford FC Head Coach Graham Coughlan believes that his side can build on Friday’s result against Derry City, where the Blues were denied a win at the death as Henry Rylah netted a close-range header that gave the Brandywell outfit a share of the spoils that they didn’t deserve, at the RSC.
Speaking after the game, Coughlan said: “First and foremost, we asked for a performance tonight, and I think we got exactly that. It was a really strong performance. We asked for intensity, for high energy, and we got that in abundance. That gives us a clear blueprint for where we want to go.
“I thought our overall performance level was very good. But sometimes in football, luck either shines on you or turns its back on you, and tonight it felt like it went against us. When we needed a break or a bit of fortune, it just didn’t come.
“They had very few chances and came away with two goals, so fair play to them. It shows you don’t need many chances if you’re clinical. But from our side, we created enough opportunities to win the game, and that’s the frustrating part.
“I’m really, really proud of the players. I was frustrated last week because I know they’re better than that, and tonight they showed exactly what they’re capable of. That’s the level we need to reach consistently.
“These lads have worked their socks off all week, and that came out tonight. It’s a really good group. I saw some of the talk before I came in about them not caring, but if anyone still believes that, they need to look at that performance.
“Look at the pride they showed, the way they put their bodies on the line, the way they worked for each other—that was outstanding, regardless of the result. I can’t comment on what’s gone on before. I don’t live in the past, and I don’t want the players living in it either. What’s gone is gone. My focus is on moving forward.”
“Tonight is the blueprint. That’s the level we want week in, week out, and now the challenge is to replicate it. Late goals and setbacks are part of football. It’s frustrating when they go against you, but there will be times when they go in your favour as well.”
Coughlan added: “What I was really pleased with was the response. The lads showed real character. They kept battling, kept working, and never gave up. I felt we deserved to at least be level, if not ahead. The momentum was with us for large parts of the game, and I was surprised we didn’t create even more.
“We asked the players to press, to get tight, to put pressure on the ball, and they did that to the letter. That’s all you can ask for as a coach. I understand some of them are carrying scars from earlier in the season. That’s part and parcel of football when results haven’t gone your way. But performances like tonight can help rebuild that confidence.
“Consistency is the key now. If we can get to this level week in, week out, then the results will follow. Continuity brings confidence. The challenge is simple—go and do it again. There’s no point in feeling sorry for ourselves. That was a positive performance, and we need to build on it.
“If we can follow this up with a win in the next game, then tonight becomes a very valuable point. That’s how quickly things can change.
“I’m excited to be here and excited to be working with this group. They’re putting in the effort on the training ground, and that’s starting to show in matches. Give us a bit more time, and I believe they’ll fully buy into what we’re asking. If they do that, it will bring results.”
He concluded: “From what I’ve seen, especially tonight, there’s definitely enough in this group to turn things around. The players care, they’re working hard, and they’re fighting for each other. My job is to guide them. If things go wrong tactically, that’s on me. But if they keep giving me performances like that, we’ll win more games than we lose.
“Benny Couto is a good player. He’s had a tough time, but that happens in football. Sometimes you need a bit of belief and support. I thought he showed real quality tonight. He got into good positions and was unlucky not to get more from the game. He just needs to keep believing in himself and stay consistent.
“I’ve been really impressed with him, and with a number of others as well. There’s good quality in this squad. Of course, there’s frustration because we feel we could have won, but there are plenty of positives too. That performance is our benchmark now—we just have to keep building on it.”
