Walsall boss Darrell Clarke: Stop being weak
Walsall manager Darrell Clarke says he has ‘little sympathy’ with his players after failing to hang on for a point against Carlisle United.
The Saddlers created several clear-cut chances in the first half, but failed to capitalise on their early dominance.
A Nathan Thomas goal in the second half put Walsall on the back-foot before substitute Elijah Adebayo scored the equaliser.
A straight red card for captain James Clarke followed minutes later and with Walsall hanging on for a result, Harry McKirdy netted in the fourth minute of injury time.
Adebayo only lasted 10 minutes on the field before being withdrawn due to injury and Clarke has urged his players not to be ‘weak.’
“Stop being weak and get on with it,” he said. “Come on, it’s the world isn’t it, you know what I mean. Elijah (Adebayo) scores a goal and then he’s coming off with an injury. I have little sympathy at times, come on.
“How much do you want to win, that desire to win? They have to learn, these are young lads, but they have to learn quickly.
“I’m angry and I’m letting my feelings known and we’ll see what response we get against Leyton Orient. Could have, should have, how many times have we said that this season? The reason why we aren’t in the top seven or the top half of the table is because we haven’t won enough home games.
“It’s as simple as that.
“That’s a bit down to mentality at times.
“I thought we moved the ball quite well at times and created opportunities yet again.
“We had more opportunities and we’re probably the better team on the day.
“Carlisle have dug in and they took the advantage of the 10 men.”
The headed winner from McKirdy looped over goalkeeper Liam Roberts and Clarke was critical of his goalkeeper after the game.
“It’s a rubbish goal, I don’t know how my goalie gets beaten there,” he added.
“It was a cracking save against Scunthorpe and I don’t know how he gets beat, it’s the softest goal I’ve ever seen.
“For me it’s a concentration thing and a mentality thing to see the game through.
“I don’t want to keep tarnishing the same things.
“This is probably coming across very, very critical but I just know what’s needed and required in their heads to go and be a winner in their career.
“Some of them are lacking that.
“They aren’t getting pats on the backs from me, no chance.
“We have to be stronger mentally.”
