Walsall manager Jon Whitney has spoken to the press ahead of Saturday afternoon's Sky Bet League One clash with Bradford City and has admitted that confidence is an issue as his side seek what will be their second win in eight league games.
Speaking via the Express & Star, Jon said; "Confidence is an issue. It’s not just younger players but the older players as well. Players you trust and who you expect to make the right decisions in games. When we go forward, teams are finding it too easy to hit us on the counter-attack.
"I know we have got two young centre-backs but it’s not all down to them. It’s the team ethos. Confidence is a big thing. At any age your confidence can be affected by criticism. What you have to do is be strong, believe in your own ability and then you will come through."
Looking ahead to Saturday's League One clash with Bradford City, Whitney admitted that he and his team will need to work on picking the players up as they look to get their campaign back on track, he said; “I will pick them back up – that is what I am good at. If I need to be the catalyst I will do that because it is my job. Ian Sharps will be like that. Neil Cutler will be like that. We will look and reflect but we know we need to come through this now. We know we can’t keep conceding goals like we have been conceding. Some players need to step up and eventually I will get a team to start the climb the table.
"I have been in much stickier situations at this club and come through it. I understand how to. And I am looking forward to that challenge."