Florent Cuvelier calls on Walsall to take their chances
Florent Cuvelier has called for Walsall to be more ruthless in front of goal as they prepare to face Shrewsbury tomorrow.
The Saddlers make the short trip to Greenhous Meadow on the back of a disappointing run that has seen them fail to win in their last five outings.
They will face a Salop side battling to avoid the drop from League One but with Paul Hurst’s side having been buoyed following their 1-0 win over Rochdale on Saturday.
Cuvelier returned to the Saddlers fold for the 1-1 draw with Oxford last weekend having recovered from a calf strain ahead of schedule.
And the Belgian believes Jon Whitney’s side would have won that game comfortably had they been more clinical in front of goal.
“The big thing for us was that at the end of the first half we should have been 3-0 up,” Cuvelier said.
“Their goalkeeper made a couple of great saves. We hit the post and really we should have killed the game off because we had the opportunities.
“That is what good teams do, when they have opportunities they take them and then they see the game out.
“That is certainly one area we can improve and I am sure we will – starting with Shrewsbury.
“It’s a local derby. It will be a difficult game because they are fighting for their lives. But we are going there determined to end this run and get back to winning ways.”
Last month, Cuvelier was rewarded for his performances with a one-year contract to remain at the Banks’s Stadium.
Speaking after rewarding him with that deal, boss Jon Whitney said he is a player he wants to build his team around next season. And Cuvelier admitted that was great to hear, especially considering his injury woes.
“I’m very grateful for what the gaffer said.” he continued.
“I love this football club and I think the manager is doing a great job.
“This has been his first year in charge. I worked with Nigel Adkins last year at Sheffield United. He had a big CV but this league is very difficult so I think the manager has done well.
“We are all looking forward to performing well next year.
“You can see what we want to do. We want to be an attacking team, we want to pass the ball and we want to be entertaining. I think next year we stand a good chance.”
