Alfie Bates: Walsall players feeling the pressure
Alfie Bates admits the Walsall players are feeling the pressure – as he calls for improved communication on the pitch to help them through their poor form.
The Saddlers fell to a damaging 1-0 defeat at home to struggling Barrow on Friday night, dragging them deeper into a potential relegation battle.
Young midfielder Bates admits the performance was 'flat' due to poor on-field communication and that the players feel the pressure to put it right.
"Pressure was a big thing, we had a few young lads out there including me," he said.
"With the older lads as well, we didn't talk, I thought it was flat.
"We didn't communicate with each other. Everyone needs to respond and I'm sure they will. It comes from us, no-one else.
"We need to be right on it. Bang on it on Tuesday night.
"We're not deluded players, we're all honest. The past results have not been good enough and we need to put it right"
When asked if the players feel the pressure looking at the league table, Bates added: "Of course we see that, we're not blind.
"We need to look at the table and realise that we're in a dogfight and need to get results.
"We've shown on plenty of occasions this season (that the ability is in the squad).
"We lost late on to Cambridge and that was tough for us to take but we all need to put it right. We need three points quickly."
Meanwhile, Walsall are left waiting for an injury update on Dan Scarr.
The centre-back had to withdraw in the second half against Barrow and hobbled off the pitch.
Speaking after the game, manager Brian Dutton said: "I've not had any news on him, other than he couldn't see out the match.
"I can't update you on that, I'm just disappointed to lose him."
