Bakayoko has belief in the Saddlers

The Saddlers host Oldham at the Banks’s Stadium tomorrow for what is their first home match of the 2017/18 campaign.

Despite the season being just a week old, Jon Whitney’s side enter the clash under mounting pressure following successive defeats to Bury and Sheffield United.

Those loses have arrived on the back of a run that saw the Saddlers win just one of their last 10 games last season.

But while fans are starting to fear a year of struggle lies ahead, Bakayoko is adamant an upturn in form is just around the corner.

“Of course we hear what people are saying but it is no biggie to us,” the striker said.

“We can only focus on what we have got – there is not much we can do about what is out there.

“I think we have a great team which can keep building and building and the performances will come, I have complete confidence in that.

“As a group we are working really hard to be successful.

“On the pitch we are working hard and off the pitch we are working hard to make sure we click there too.

“That is what you need in a team, to get everyone on board.

“We have got Oldham tomorrow and we are confident we are going to go out there and get that win.”

Bakayoko scored his first goal of the season in the League Cup defeat to Sheffield United on Wednesday.

But while the striker was pleased to get off the mark, he would happily swap the goal for a victory.

“It’s a good start for me – to score in my second game and first start,” he Bakayoko continued.

“What is more important though is to get a great team and get winning games.

“I thought we played well on Wednesday. It was game management that cost us in the end. But we will learn from it.

“Hopefully we can take the positives into Saturday and come out with a win.

“There is no pressure – we are still at the start of the season. Results will come, but we know we need to get out there and do it as soon as possible.”

Now starting his second season as a regular member of the Saddlers first-team squad, Bakayoko says he is ready to step up once again and be a main man for the team.

“I want to start more games, I want to be more vocal and I want to be the main man,” the 21-year-old added.

“I want to be someone who people can rely on.

“I think it is strongly needed here and I want to be that guy.

“In this industry you have to grow up quick and I am ready for it.

“Last year helped me, playing in games and scoring. My confidence was boosted.

“Now it’s all about doing it consistently. That is the key. I need to carry on and keep improving with each game.”