Portsmouth manager John Mousinho insists his side are not far from ending their six-match winless streak as Millwall visit Fratton Park on Saturday. The Blues have regrouped during the international break and trained intensively to rediscover winning form.
Pompey were perhaps unlucky to secure just a point against Wrexham in their last home fixture, whilst suffering a narrow loss at Hull City prior to the international break. Mousinho acknowledges improvements are needed but remains confident the squad have worked diligently to reverse their fortunes.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Championship clash, the Portsmouth boss said: “We’ve regrouped and had some time off along with a couple of really good training blocks, so are ready to go again”.
The break probably came at a good time for us. It gave some players the chance to get back into training again ahead of Saturday”.
“Securing a win is the biggest thing for us right now. We’re getting close, but ultimately have not been close enough”.
“The difference at this level is you get punished if you switch off for a moment and don’t put ball in the net at the other end”.
“We clearly need to focus on improving from set-pieces and it’s something we’ve been working on a lot on the training pitches”.
“Our next opponents are really strong at this level and have made an impressive start to the season. Alex Neil has done a good job and they are always tough opponents”
“They’re evolving as a side and have taken all the things you expect from a Millwall team, while adding some real quality”.
“The crowd will have an important part to play and we need that raucous atmosphere, but have to mirror that on the pitch”.
Mousinho could welcome back three key players against the Lions, providing much-needed depth to his squad.
“Callum Lang, Nico Schmid and Adrian Segečić are all back in full training and available for the weekend”.
“We’ve been a bit thin on the ground lately – especially at the top end of the pitch – and this gives us a lot more options”.
“We’re cautious with Langy, although at some point you have to pull the plaster off. Whether he’s ready to start or come off the bench, we’ll have to see”.
Longer-Term Absentees
“Franco Umeh is on the grass and should join the lads properly on Monday, but it’s going to be a slow introduction for him”.
“Harvey Blair is about a week behind, while there’s no timescale with Jacob Farrell. He’s still struggling with that groin issue and we’re waiting for it to settle down”.
“Don’t expect to see any of the others back before the end of the year, except for possibly Conor Shaughnessy, but even that wouldn’t be until the final fixture in December”.
