Adam Birchall believes his under-18s side needs to focus on getting the basics right and an improvement in individual moments, following the 6-2 defeat to Aston Villa in the U18 Premier League South on Saturday, November 1.
Goals from Marley Frohock and Ceadach O'Neill came as a consolation in a game that had already slipped away before half-time.
"Just really disappointed. Disappointed in the manner in which we are currently losing games.
"When we need people to really step up and do that extra bit for the team, we feel like we're lacking at the moment. It's really simple for me, and I'm disappointed."
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Four goals down at the break, Adam opted to introduce Patrick Statchow, Bowen Phillips and Frohock to the affair as substitutes, which made an impact in what was a much even second 45.
Adam admitted that Villa had sat off after the break, so it was a chance to inject something different, and noticed an improvement in possession, but it was the simple elements of the game that he felt lacked conviction. "I'd probably put that down to them as well," he said. "Not being as aggressive in their attacking actions and also their pressing. I actually thought that with the ball, we were quite good today.
"We didn't really create enough chances, so the build-up between the boxes was OK. At half-time, it was to bring on some energy and improve some of the basics we were lacking in the first half.
"That's what I mean by the individual moments where we need players to step up and learn from. That starts with the basics. Running, competing, doing the bit that no one really gives people credit for in their position.
"So, they've got to learn that. They've got to learn that quickly because this is now going into November. And, yeah, we've seen it for a few weeks now."
Many of our under-18s players have a three-week break now until we play Norwich City in the crucial final group game of the U18 Premier League Cup, and Adam believes he gap in fixtures has come at a good time to reflect on the campaign so far and come back with a fresh start. "I think the most important thing is to remember they started the season so well. They were undefeated for a long time and topped the league.
"Then they get hit away at Stoke. And it is really that learning piece around how you deal with that. To really start by looking in their own mirror.
"That's really important, including everyone, staff-wise, everyone. How do we help? How can we be better? Where are the areas we need to improve? And if it becomes a blame game, then I worry for careers.
"They must learn during this period how to own the difficult moments that they're in individually, then that will help them collectively because they'll show empathy to each other. But also understand where the bar is, and show they want to push through. Set some standards for each other inside the squad and not just coming from the coaching staff."
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