‘A lot is riding on it,’ says Portsmouth manager, referring to the club’s top-of-the-table position. Bolton Wanderers vs. Bolton Wanderers under the Fratton lights
On Sky Sports, Pompey manager John Mousinho is refusing to downplay the importance of the top-of-the-table League One battle.
John Mousinho is adamant that his side’s promotion battle with Bolton is crucial.
And the Pompey manager has urged his team to rise to the occasion when they face their fellow high-fliers under the lights at Fratton Park.
Ian Evatt’s men arrive at PO4 on Monday night for the Sky Sports televised clash between the division’s two pacesetters. Mousinho refused to downplay the match, urging the Blues to use the occasion as motivation to perform.
‘There’s obviously a lot riding on the match in terms of where the sides are in the league, and the fact it’s on TV and a Monday night at Fratton Park adds to it,’ he said.
‘It’s important to strike the right balance between acknowledging that it’s another game worth three points and not dismissing it too quickly.
‘There’s a lot riding on it, and one of the things we want to do is encourage the lads to rise to the occasion and enjoy the emotion of playing at home in front of those fans under the lights. That, I believe, can only benefit us.
‘So there’s a real fine balance there, but I don’t think we should downplay it and say it’s just another game with nothing else to it.
‘It feels bigger than other games, but there are only three points at stake. It does feel significant, however, because it is three points against a team that is right behind us, on our tail, and has been up there in the last few weeks, taking top spot at one point. So, from that perspective, there is a lot riding on it.’
As Bolton arrives for the much-anticipated match, Fratton Park is sure to be packed and lively. That is not lost on Mousinho, who believes the game is exactly what players should want to be a part of.
‘We want the players to enjoy themselves, and they will enjoy themselves by putting in a good performance and hopefully winning the game,’ he added. That is the most enjoyable way to enjoy it.
‘They should enjoy playing for Portsmouth all of the time, and they should enjoy playing at Fratton Park against big clubs like Bolton. These are the types of games you should want to play in throughout your career, so it’s one to remember for the lads.’
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