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Vital Champions League
Ahead of the FA Cup diversion Danny Cowley took time to explore the phenomenon of social media and the importance of managing expectations:-
Effect of Social Media - DC isn't personally too bothered by social media criticism (it upsets his wife and Mum more) taking the view that as long as everyone has Lincoln City at heart it doesn't really matter whether they are blindly loyal providing unconditional support or 'critical friends'. People are entitled to their opinions so long as it doesn't get personal. A few of his younger players get upset by comments on the various platforms and although he advises the players not to go on them it is human nature in modern society. On the one hand he is delighted and proud that expectations are now so high but DC spoke passionately about not crossing the line of entitlement. He cannot stand self entitlement and it makes him very uneasy when people think they have a God given right to win. DC does not forget that we have had to work so hard to come from the bottom. There are another 8 to 10 teams in the league that will be going for promotion and Imps have no advantage over any of those except by ensuring hard work and having the highest quality of people in the building. DC is very happy with the goals contribution of the forwards with the goals for and points columns looking very healthy. Imps have more points than at the same time as the NL Championship season. We live in a world where everybody wants instantaneous gratification (his son hates having to sit through adverts within his cartoon shows) and that is just the way it is. JA has done so much hard work for the team and is a great foil for the side. Anyone that cannot see that needs to look harder.
Oldham - Disappointed to have drawn against 10 men but credit to a very good Oldham side. Playing the league leaders and down to 10 men brought the best out of them and they did a great job for their team mates, manager and supporters. It was a crazy first half with the ball only in play for 19 minutes amidst all the lengthy stoppages. Momentum was lost when Oldham scored and Imps were guilty of not moving the ball horizontally quickly or enough times to work the space and resorted to playing the ball vertically too much. There has been a 90 minute video room de-brief and DC is confident Imps will adapt better the next time we face 10 men.
Carlisle - DC felt that it was points dropped last time sides met due to all their injuries and is mindful of their excellent away form - arguably tougher facing them at home rather than away. No matter as DC loves cup competitions and is excited at the opportunity to reach the third round which is never an easy task. He was ambivalent about the possibility of a replay opining that whilst he would rather win the game in 90 minutes 'we love playing football' so if a Tuesday replay in Carlisle 'so be it'. Features of Carlisle play is their midfield players that are confident ball handlers, moving the ball quickly supported by flank players who have 'real energy'.
Squad Fitness - The two week break undoubtedly helped and everyone came through midweek without any issues. LF may well be available to start as playing will not exacerbate the injury but need to be mindful that when the knee hyper extends causing the two leg bones to rub together it does cause Lee excruciating pain so important to be respectful of that. LF is a top L1 player let alone L2 so 'we' do miss him when he doesn't play.
Miscellaneous - One for the stattos courtesy of Chris Ashton; DC has already reached number three in the list of LCFC managers that have overseen the most cup ties with Saturday's match being his 32nd in charge.
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