Manager Ian Holloway has said he felt that Millwall fought in the defeat against Norwich City yesterday and ultimately we lost out to their quality.
To hear Holloway talk following the game and admit we are in trouble (Click Here)
Following the four one defeat, Millwall now sit eight points clear of safety and are only not at the foot of the table because of Blackpool’s struggles and with all of Norwich’s goals coming in a bad 20 minute spell for us, Holloway explained.
‘Jonny Howson’s smashed one in from their first shot at goal – talk about a bullet to your heart. I felt the boys kept going but all of a sudden we gave a penalty away when the ball was rolling out so I was gutted for the lads. I knew that would start other feelings off and unfortunately it did.’
With Norwich having the confidence boost and the momentum in the game, and with frustrations of our own to deal with, Holloway admits in that period it could’ve been a lot worse for them with the other good chances they had, and the woodwork saving us but he didn’t feel the players gave up in the game.
‘I still felt that the lads kept going and worked hard for each other. I felt they still showed a Millwall spirit but maybe I was the only one in the ground who did.’
With fan frustrations being evident, he also admitted that in an effort to stem that so it didn’t affect the team, that’s why he stayed in the dug out in the second period and he again referenced what got us through last season.
‘I didn’t shirk my responsibilities. Every time I walked out, it all started and I thought that would affect the team. When you don’t win at home, it’s very, very difficult for anybody and I can understand. Obviously if something’s changed and there’s been a sea change, they’ve obviously got short memories about last year, what we did and how we did it together. But I’m not blaming anybody. I’m a football manager and it’s a very difficult position to be in when you’re not winning games.’
Adding specifically.
‘Did I see my team not trying for me or throwing in the towel? I didn’t see that at all. The difference today was finishing and a bit of quality. Norwich were a Premier League side last year and unfortunately we’re lacking confidence. For 38 minutes today, we were competing with Norwich on almost the same level. But they scored and the pessimism that kicks in after we let a goal in is killing us. So much so that everyone has forgotten last year, which is a long time off. I’m not happy losing games and I’m not used to it. 860-odd games in my career so far tells me that I can turn this around.’
With Nicky Bailey returning to the side and getting 45 minutes under his belt, Holloway added that he felt he did struggle in the game but he’d been working very hard in training and obviously there is a different intensity between first team, training and the under 21 set up, so he should be better for that.
He’s also hoping to welcome back to training on Monday Shaun Cummings, Stefan Maierhofer and Paris Cowan-Hall.
Vital Millwall on:
Vital Millwall on:
Holloway – The Lads Fought At Norwich
