Rodgers - We Cannot Be Complacent
Saturday, 13th Nov 2010 06:37

Brendan Rodgers has warned his side not to be complacent ahead of the visit of Middlesbrough

Having already challenged his side to bounce back from the disappointment of Wednesday night, Rodgers now insists that complacency will not be allowed to set in despite the Swans impressive 3rd place in the Championship at present.

Bristol City ended their unbeaten home record in midweek and Rodgers will be hoping that it can be an immediate response from his players as they look to keep the pressure on the top two.

“What I’ve learnt with this group is they deal with pressure well,” he told the Western Mail.

“In the big games they are confident enough to pass the ball around and they show no fear.

“But when you play against the teams you should win against, there is an expectancy there that is sometimes difficult to control.

“You have to be able to do it in the big games and the ones you are expected to win.

“Sub-consciously, if you are playing a team down the bottom there is a natural feeling of complacency.

“But it is about ensuring we don’t become complacent – because that’s when you will trip up.

“But I haven’t seen complacency from this group yet and there is certainly no crisis here after one defeat.

“We are not arrogant. We lost a game we wanted to win, but now there is a big motivation to get back on track.

“The players work very hard and the consequence of that will be success.

“It’s my job to make sure we keep the ambition. It’s vital we get that momentum going again.

“There’s no doubt the Cardiff game made an impact on our performance on Wednesday because it was such a high.

“It’s never good to lose, but, as long as you learn from it, well, that’s important.

“It’s something we are getting prepared for and, along with the motivation to get back on track, it should see us return to normal on Sunday."

Rodgers will come face to face with new 'boro boss Tony Mowbray who replaced Gordon Strachan after a disappointing start to the season “I’m delighted for Tony because he is someone whose philosophy is to play football." Rodgers added

“It’s going to take a bit of time for him to put his stamp on the team, but you do find when a manager comes in the team has a little boost.

“Middlesbrough didn’t have a good start but they’ve picked up a bit. They’ve got a couple of wins which is nice for him.

“When you are up at the top end of the league there is no doubt there is an added pressure. It’s easier in the chase.

“We are right up there and very close to the top of the league and everyone will want to come to our ground and get a victory.”

Photo: Action Images

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