Iñigo Calderón spoke about the importance of retaining momentum ahead of the Gas’ upcoming clash against Burton Albion in Sky Bet League One.
The Pirates collected back-to-back 3-1 home wins against Barnsley and Peterborough United before earning a late draw against Stockport County, with Sil Swinkels coming off the bench to score the equaliser on his debut.
This is Rovers' third consecutive home game on the third tier and holds high importance, with the Brewers only six points behind the Gas. Despite being in the relegation zone, Burton are unbeaten in their last six outings.
Ahead of the match at The Memorial Stadium, Calderón discussed the importance of keeping the momentum going and previewed the clash against Burton.
KEEPING THE MOMENTUM
“I think it’s important to keep the momentum as long as possible,” he said. “Even not winning the game, but still fighting until the end and getting the result. It was really important, especially being at home. Next time we are losing, we are still thinking we can do it because it’s not easy when you are down in the score to get back.
“So, I think it was important to be in it at the very last minute of the game because the games are so long, and you have to stay in the game somehow. Also, finding a way to win the set piece, I think, is something we were missing before. It was good for the boys.”
POSITIVE REACTION TO CONCEDING
“I would say the game against Wigan and the game against Charlton, we collapsed a little bit,” said Calderón. “This is normal as well because I’ve probably been saying too much already. When you are down, it’s not an easy sport to play. Mentally, it affects you more than when you are in a good run.
“But yesterday, just after we conceded the goal, I think we had a chance. So, the reaction was there from the team. There was probably a moment in the game that was not great for us because probably they were doing the thing they wanted, but it’s going to be long. I’m happy with the team, but we are still there, and I’ve been saying that for a long time. We have to make sure we don’t lose the focus and still do things right.”
SIL SWINKELS
“Sometimes it’s not fair for the defenders because you don’t change the defenders too much,” said the Spaniard. “There has to be something really bad, but at the same time, when you get into the team, maybe you don’t go out from the team.
“When you are a winger or striker, you always have chances within the game. When you are a defender, sometimes you don’t have a minute, or sometimes you are even out of the squad. But the next game, you can be in the starting 11. So, defenders are a bit different to other ones, and for Sil, I think it’s important for him that the goal yesterday is always good for a new player coming to a club. So, I’m happy for him.”
THE GOALKEEPERS
“We have three good goalkeepers, and I think it’s good for them that they compete for the role and the position in the team in a good way,” he said. “I can see that in the three of them, and I think it’s important. As I said yesterday, we picked Jed because he was already in the team before.
“He knows the club, he knows The Mem, so it was a bit easier for him to start and to be fair, I thought he was really, really good. We could see how comfortable he was with the team and the team with him, so I think it’s really important.”
TEAM NEWS
“Shaq Forde is fit to play now,” he said. “Maybe yesterday was a bit too early for him, but I would say he is in contention for Saturday. I don’t know if it’s for the squad, starting or on the bench, but I think he’s now fitter.
“Everyone who is with us has a chance. Jack Hunt is the perfect example. He was not even in the squad, and all of a sudden, he was starting, and now he’s played two games in a row. Everybody has a chance. It doesn’t matter if you are out of the squad. If you keep training, maybe you could be in the starting 11.”
BURTON ALBION PREVIEW
“I don’t know where they [Burton] are,” he insisted. “I know they are with us, but it’s a massive one, the same as it was against Peterborough. I don’t want to say it’s a final because it’s not because even if you win, you have to play a lot more games. But at the same time, if you lose, you have more games to play.
“When you play against teams that are with you in the table, here you call it a six-pointer. In Spain, we say seven points. It’s an important one, but being at home, I’m quite confident that the team is going to keep showing the same face.”
FANS AT THE MEM
“It’s no coincidence that we are playing better at home,” he said. “The players feel the support of the fans, and I think the fans see the team is doing everything possible to get the result. I think the connection between the fans and the team is perfect, and I think it’s in a good place at the moment. That’s really, really important because we have a lot of games at home, and if we can make our home like a fortress, it should be a great place for us.”
