'We need to be stronger both physically and mentally for 90 or so minutes'
Waterford FC manager Graham Coughlan is interviewed ahead of the game against Shels.
Waterford FC manager Graham Coughlan admitted his side deserved more from the game against Shelbourne in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division as an injury-time Sean Boyd goal gave the hosts a first home win this season at Tolka Park.
As fans left the North Dublin venue frustrated after seeing their side concede another late goal, the Blues boss shared the frustration felt by the supporters, and by everyone in the dressing room afterwards.
Coughlan said: “l thought the lads were brilliant tonight. The fans should go home disappointed, annoyed and frustrated, because we certainly are. We’ve had a really good conversation in the changing room — some honest views, some honest exchanges — and I’m really pleased with the feedback they gave me. It gives us something to work on.”
He believes both the physical and mental side of the game must improve if they are to see out matches more effectively.
“If we can help them get into a better physical and mental state, we’ll handle those pressure moments far better,” he said. “But there’s a lot of work to do. We’re running out of games and running out of weeks. Our quality on the ball needs improving as well.” Late in the game, his side struggled to handle pressure, something he acknowledged is a recurring issue.
“We had a 2v1 down the side, and we just can’t let the cross come in. We need to work harder to stop that,” he said.
“We were hanging on a bit towards the end, and Shelbourne probably deserved a goal. They had two or three big chances, so the pressure was building.
“It’s a team effort — not just one unit or individual. You’re asking midfielders to get on the ball, strikers to relieve the pressure and defenders to deal with crosses. We learn from it, but it’s frustrating because it keeps happening. It’s not a coincidence.”
The late-game issues point to deeper problems in preparation and game management.
“We need to be stronger physically and mentally at 90 or 95 minutes. We should be playing in the opposition half, not hanging on. That’s going to take blood, sweat and tears.”
Despite the disappointment, he pointed to positives, particularly the response after conceding.
“We’ve come from behind against Derry, against Sligo, and again tonight. There’s resilience there, there’s character, there’s a fighting spirit and togetherness — that’s a big positive.
“We’ve got to show more quality and composure, and we definitely have to defend better as a team. Defending starts from the front. Podge and Tommy worked incredibly hard pressing, the midfield supported them well and structurally we were strong. But those key moments are hurting us.” He highlighted lapses in concentration and possible mental fatigue as contributing factors.
“They hit the post early in the second half and I’m asking our lads to get out quicker and press that shot. We did it well for large parts — forcing them all the way back to their goalkeeper — but then we switch off in key moments. That’s where the damage is being done.”
The sense of missed opportunity was clear from Coughlan’s viewpoint.
“It’s difficult to stand here after losing a game we probably deserved something from. But we’ve been here before, and we’ll have more of these moments before the end of the season. We have to handle them better.” Frustration was evident among the players at full-time, something the manager viewed positively.
“I didn’t see the exact incidents, but I take it as a good sign. They’re frustrated because they care. They’ve taken a lot of criticism this season, but you can’t question their work rate, attitude or commitment. That was really positive tonight.
“We let two points slip away at Derry, and a point slip away tonight. That’s three points gone. It’s happened too often this season. We’re just not mentally and physically prepared for those late surges from top teams.”
He also stressed that the basics must be executed better and wouldn’t be drawn into the controversy surrounding a couple of penalty shouts in the second-half.
“Pressing, closing down and stopping crosses — late in the game, we weren’t as clinical in those areas as we were in the first half. That tells its own story.
“Penalties are a lottery. It would have been nice to get a corner at one stage, but I’m not going to get involved with referees. The standard is what it is, and I’m not going to change it.” Finally, he expanded on the importance of the open dressing-room discussion and remains optimistic of the challenge ahead.
“Player feedback is massive for me. I want to work with them, not against them. They have to lead it, share their thoughts and feelings, and then we act on them. I thought it was powerful, honest and positive. It’s up to us now to help them get where they want to be.
“We’ve got a mountain to climb, but there are green shoots. If the lads keep showing that honesty, work ethic and commitment, we’ll win more games than we lose.”
