Brennan seeks solutions after Louth derby defeat
Ger Brennan analyzes second half collapse and looks ahead to crucial clash against Cavan
Louth manager Ger Brennan will quickly search for answers on the back of the second half collapse against Meath ahead of this weekend’s crunch game against Cavan in Ardee.Four points up early in the second half, Brennan couldn’t put his finger on the malfunction in the direct aftermath of the local derby loss.
“We’ll have an honest reflection on the latter part of the game at Tuesday’s training session,” Brennan began“They ran hard at us and we probably didn’t have an out-ball for the ball carrier when we were in possession and when the ball carrier got through, we probably didn’t have a support runner to give him a dig out. We lost all sort of shape and semblance of how we had played from minute zero to 40.”
“It’s disappointing that Meath’s purple patch continued and continued and we needed to get a point on the board for ourselves.
“Ultimately, that didn’t happen, but what’s great about the players is that they’re a very, very honest bunch and are really hurting and disappointed that we didn’t come away with the two-point return.”With the clock already ticking, Brennan was quick to switch focus but admitted his side is now under pressure with only one win after the opening three games.
“(Thats) the beauty of the Allianz Leagues is that there isn’t much rest to be dwelling or getting down on yourself,” Brennan said. “You just have to look at the evidence on video to see how things can be turned around in a very short period going into a home match against Cavan, who are certainly on the up and could have got points against Donegal. They’re flying it and we’re going to have to come out fighting in Ardee.
“It’s a huge game and we’re aware of that. We’ll have to be ready for Cavan. They’re flying it at the moment and probably unlucky not to be sitting top of the table on five or six points. They’d a great win down in Páirc Uí Chaoimh so we’re under pressure going into this game.”
Brennan finished with a welcome squad update. The news of two returnees that will give the squad a much needed lift ahead of the Breffni visit.
“Bevan Duffy has re-joined the squad and Liam Jackson as well.
“They just took part in the warm-up here and weren’t in the 26 but they’ll be looking to put their hands up for selection next week.”