SQUAD UPDATE PRE BHA

RLB is more than happy with the players at his disposal for the Brighton game on Saturday despite the departures of some prominent figures who have been in the starting lineup for the majority of this season. The other positive news is that Habib Diarra could be with the travelling squad for this weekend so we could see him one last time before he heads to Afcon slightly later than others.

DIARRA READY FOR BRIGHTON?

“Yes, he might be with us for Brighton, and it will be the end of his rehab process and if it is all positive, he will be able to leave with his initial team.”

MINUTES AVAILABLE FOR OTHERS

“Yeah, we’ll have different opportunities for the players who didn’t play a lot so far. We have no injuries at the minute which is really positive, and we hope that will continue to be the case for this period. So, the team will be a bit different, but I think for the players with less game time, they knew before that this period would come and they are ready because they train properly, they are well connected with the squad and now will manage the game, so we’ll see."

HAD PLAYERS IN HIS OFFICE

"Yes, and the team did well so far so it’s always a bit easier for a manager and the players who didn’t play a lot to understand why they didn’t play a lot because when you have a strong competition you just have to wait and you understand why you don’t play. So, now with this opportunity, they are patient because they knew that it was possible for them to play."

WHOLE SQUAD IS IMPROVING WITH NEW ADDITIONS

"Absolutely, I think especially in the premier league with the level of our squad at the minute. The competition is tough, and I think it’s positive to live those moments now rather than being in the Championship [on loan] for example with a different level."

LESS PRESSURE WITH GOOD POINTS TALLY

"Yes, probably because I think it’s better to play those games with a great level of confidence. When the doubt starts in the squad, you don’t know how it will influence the way you play, the risks you take or not so its still important at this level."

QUIET DRESSING ROOM WITH NO SADIKI?

"Not always, I think he has the ability to choose the right moments so when you can laugh and joke, he will do it and you will hear his voice clearly in the dressing room but at times he knows exactly when you have to work. So, we will have other players who are able to do that in the dressing room."

WELL PREPARED TO BRING OTHERS IN

"Yeah, I’m not worried to be fair, we knew before that this period would come so its not new, its not unexpected, so with 26 points, I repeat, its better because the level of confidence is higher and we trust the players who will be involved."