That the upbeat message from EDS head coach Enzo Maresca to his young EDS charges as City prepare for Sunday’s return to PL 2 action away at Everton, a game which will be screened live on CITY+.
Maresca’s side will make the short trip to tackle Everton’s Under-23s on the back of last Tuesday’s superb 4-0 EFL Trophy win away at Scunthorpe, a result which sealed our place into the knockout stages with a group game to spare.
But while City have made a flying start in the Cup, despite our fine overall form it has been a frustrating story in our opening two PL2 games.
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Despite City dominating both encounters, we relinquished deserved leads late on against both Derby and Blackburn leaving us with a point to show for our efforts so far.
However, Maresca is adamant that as long as the players maintain application and focus while retaining their collective drive and desire, the rewards will come in the league too.
“I think the main target is to maintain this level and improve in every game,” said the Italian.
“We are going to try in the Premier League 2 as well. That is why we are here, to always try and make one step forwards.
“We are improving. I am trying to help them to improve and to reach the next step which is professional which is completely different.
“I think in both games against Blackburn Rovers and Derby County, we played quite well for 70 minutes and then we struggled in the last 20 minutes.
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“On Tuesday, at Scunthorpe, I think it was a complete game, from the first minute to the last.
“Maybe we struggled in the first five to ten minutes but then we controlled the game and deserved to win.
“I think it was a complete game, in terms of chances, goals and the way we play, so I am quite happy.”
The other feature of the EDS squad’s bright start to the campaign has been the positive spirit, enjoyment and all-round camaraderie running throughout the group.
For Maresca and his coaching staff, alongside looking to hone and harness the squad’s professional development, there is a desire that the players also enjoy their football with the squad encouraged to express their talent and personality on the pitch
“This is something that we are trying to give them, the idea to work hard but in the meantime, to enjoy it,” the former Juventus and Sevilla striker added.
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“During the training, I can see that in the sessions and last Tuesday as well.
“We also changed some things from the last two games, we tried to modify some things and Tuesday was quite good
“I am very pleased as they deserve it.”
Kick-off at Southport’s Merseyrail Stadium is 1pm Sunday and you can watch all the action live on CITY+ with the live stream available to watch from 12.40pm.
You can sign up to a 30-day free trial, after which CITY+ is just £1.99GBP / month.
Find out more and sign up, here.
