Ahead of Saturday afternoon's season opening Sky Bet League 1 clash with Oldham Athletic, Walsall First-Team Coach Richard O'Kelly has spoken to Saddlers.co.uk and discussed the importance of having a good pre-season.
Speaking to the club's Media Officer Dale Moon, Richard said; “It’s very important because a lot of things can be achieved. Of course the biggest one is fitness, but then there’s the tactical and technical side of the game.
“But when it gets down to the crunch, its whether the players can perform when results matter, when there’s extra pressure.
“Their attitude has been first class. Whatever we’ve given the players in terms of new challenges, they come through them and want more.
“Of course they make mistakes, as people do in any walk of life but the players are resilient and help each other to bounce straight back.
“It’s exactly what you want to make this environment a successful one.”
“But when it gets down to the crunch, its whether the players can perform when results matter, when there’s extra pressure.
“Their attitude has been first class. Whatever we’ve given the players in terms of new challenges, they come through them and want more.
“Of course they make mistakes, as people do in any walk of life but the players are resilient and help each other to bounce straight back.
“It’s exactly what you want to make this environment a successful one.”
SOURCE: WALSALL FOOTBALL CLUB