Chris Coleman has challenged his players to turn a corner in their season this Saturday at Burton Albion.
The Welshman took charge of his first match as Sunderland manager on Tuesday, and was forced to name a much-changed side due to injuries as Aston Villa narrowly secured all three points.
But Coleman took heart from his first viewing, and has admitted his players must continue to heed his advice while ensuring they are doing everything they can to prepare correctly.
Speaking at his Burton Albion press conference on Thursday, the 47-year-old also ramped up the importance of Saturday’s match at the Pirelli Stadium, urging his players to relish the mental challenge facing them.
“They have been receptive since I have been here but to get them where I want them to be will probably take a little bit longer,” he said.
“That’s time we don’t have.
“The position we are in, we have got to turn a corner sooner rather than later and escape the position.
“Overall, it is difficult as well because we have got so many injuries so there are many players who haven’t had any time with us.
“We had first-team players unavailable for our first game on Tuesday but the guys who were available tried to do what we asked and that’s the important thing.
“Every game between now and the end of the season, whether we are at Burton or at Molineux, we have to have the (big game) mentality.
“We have to know the importance of it, we know that we can’t say that ‘it’s ok because there’s another game coming up’. I want the players to focus on themselves and the game plan,” he continued.
“That is what will turn the corner for us. We have to focus on ourselves and stay sharp. These are great games to be involved in.
“These are situations where you learn a lot about yourself, it is going to be a tough game but a good one for us.”
