Louth manager's message of “no fear” ahead of Clare tie

Louth are set for a crucial All-Ireland Senior Football Championship clash against Clare at Laois Hire O'Moore Park, Portlaoise, this Sunday, and manager Ger Brennan spoke about his team's preparations.

The Wee County need at least a draw to advance to the preliminary round, and all eyes are on the team to deliver. Their campaign so far has seen two losses, one against Monaghan in Newbridge and another against Down in Newry.

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The team is aware of the challenges they face and the importance of bouncing back in this final group-stage encounter. We caught up with Ger Brennan for his insights ahead of Sunday’s game.

When asked about the defensive issues Louth has faced this season, Brennan said: “I suppose with the new game; you're nearly attacking as a unit of 11 and then you're defending as a unit of 11 with a change in your top three and then a change in your bottom three.

“The game has almost turned into an attack-type of competition, a type of game, whereby a team that can get as many shots off as possible with the possession that they have per game, and you get a good shot to score a ratio up.

“And then from a defensive point of view, if you can curtail some of the key guys and key shooters on the team that you're playing against, you can compete with shots.”

While acknowledging the high-scoring nature of modern Gaelic football, Brennan is clear that the team is aware of their vulnerabilities.

“But certainly, the last two games, I suppose I look at it as three competitions. We played the league; we played the Leinster championship and now we're in the All-Ireland series.

“In the last two games, we've been slow to start. We have left ourselves open for opponents to get a few points on us. It's something we're certainly aware of, it's something we're working on.”

Brennan also stressed the importance of finding a balance between tightening the defence while maintaining their attacking threat.

“We need to make more hay while we're up there and if we turn the screw a small bit when we're back there, that may well tip the scales in your favour.”

Lottery

With kick-out strategies becoming increasingly important in modern football, Brennan agreed with the assessment that midfield contests have turned into a bit of a lottery.

“Again, you look at the statistics across the board, most teams are breaking even on kick-outs over the course of a 70-odd-minutes, roughly around 50% each for and against,” Brennan explained.

“It’s what you do with the ball when you have it, and then how can you mobilise as quickly as possible when you lose it, whether it's your kick-out or a kick-out of theirs and make a difficult sort of mark there.

“It is a lottery. Sometimes it's a bit of a quick pick and you lump the ball down to where the numbers are, and then sometimes you have to pick your own numbers in terms of where the ball is going to go.

“It’s not always guaranteed to win. So it is like a lottery, but picking the right numbers is tough at times.”

Break

As Louth head into this crucial match, Brennan reflected on the mid-season break and its potential impact.

“I think we all felt that the players and the management alike that there was a certain sense of that. They're tired of seeing me and I'm tired of seeing them for a few days. It’s important to go back to your families and everything else.”

He acknowledged that players and staff need to recharge physically and mentally for the second half of the competition.

“The lads just have no fear of going out to represent their country. You’re not going to get any easy games.

“Yes, there is a target on your back, but basically, you’ve got to just wear it and get on with it and play with a bit of freedom knowing that you are Leinster champions. Again, just have no fear.”

Goals

The defeat to Down in Newry saw Louth fail to score a goal, and Brennan didn’t seem overly concerned.

“You take the chances to come. Donal McKenney hit the post in the second half coming down the home stretch which could have helped turn the tide, but anyway, it wasn’t to be against Down at Newry. No, you just take the chances to come and that’s it.”

Brennan believes that if a goal opportunity presents itself, the team must take it, but there is no pressure to force it.

“If the goal is on, you’ve got to go for it. If it’s not, you take what’s available. If the two points are the right option, then you take that too and just play what is in front of you.”

Support

Looking ahead to Sunday’s game against the Bannermen, Brennan was full of praise for the Louth supporters who have been a driving force behind the team this season.

“They’ve been incredible all season. I think the players have paid back that loyalty and that willingness that the Louth supporters come and support the lads.”

With knockout football now in play, the stakes are higher than ever.

“Again, you’re looking for another big turnaround. It’s knockout football now. Whoever wins goes on to the next round of the competition and that in itself brings great excitement when you do have knockout football there is something special about it.”

As the Reds gear up for their clash with Clare, all eyes will be on Portlaoise to see if the team can bounce back and progress to the next stage of the All-Ireland series.