Ahead of Wigan Athletic’s clash with Sheffield Wednesday this weekend, manager Malky Mackay feels that self-belief is the most important thing that will shape the club’s comeback.
Despite being stuck in the Championship relegation zone, the Latics managed to draw against third placed Middlesbrough last week and they will travel to south Yorkshire with a similar plan in mind.
This time however Mackay is hungry for the three points in his first away fixture with the team and, with a positive mentality from his players, there is no reason why that cannot happen.
He said: “The most important thing is to make sure there’s self-belief because I certainly believe in the players.
“They know that they’ve underachieved so far this season, so it’s about making sure there’s confidence and belief here.
“If we play like we did on Saturday consistently over the course of the season we’re going to win more games than we’ll lose.”
On their last trip to Hillsborough the Latics came back 3-0 winners and Stuart Gray’s side now find themselves without a win in 11 games in all competitions.
Despite Wigan’s confidence ahead of the match based on snatching a crucial point last week, the 42-year-old boss feels the team have to realise the level they’re playing at in order to succeed.
He added: “You’ve got to respect this division; first and foremost we’re going out to win games to get away from the relegation zone because that’s where we are at at the moment.”
The Scotsman has been met with much respect himself on his arrival at the club and he hopes he can continue to make a name for himself by implementing instant changes.
“There will be gradual changes in terms of the way I like the team to run week-to-week and what makes that easier is the fact that I’ve inherited good staff which doesn’t always happen at a new club,” he added.
“We’ve got a good group of players, I thought that from afar, but I’m even more impressed now I’ve seen them up close and personal.
“It’s about applying that belief consistently, that’s what helps teams rise up the league and stay at the top.”
Main image courtesy of Wigan Athletic via YouTube, with thanks.
