Manager says Ross County must keep calm and carry on
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Malky Mackay is looking for Ross County to stay calm in the face of adversity.
Last weekend’s defeat away at Hibernian showed that one area of concern from last season is still in play at County – when they concede, heads drop, and more goals will likely follow.
The Staggies boss was actually happy with large spells of the performance at Easter Road, but letting in three goals in an 11-minute span is unacceptable.
So Mackay says players need to develop ways of coping with disappointment mid-match to ensure there is no repeat going forward.
“We lost an unfortunate goal – they go in once in a blue moon, we didn’t do anything too wrong having looked at it – but what that did was spark 15 minutes of a sense of panic among us,” Mackay said.
“We have talked to the group about how you cope with that. I showed them the 11 minutes between 22 and 33 minutes that mattered.
“The first goal went in, which was really unfortunate, and there is no blame with anyone with that, but for 10 minutes players stopped doing what they were doing.
“We were telling them that you just need to keep that calm head and keep believing in doing what you’re doing which was working.
“There’s a frustration with that because what we were doing was working. Unless you learn from those, you’re never going to get any better.
“It’s about coping mechanisms – you learn how to cope during a time of flux. There are times when teams are on you and it’s about how you cope and having calmness out of possession.
“When the opposition have the ball, there are times when you are calm because you know you’re in the correct shape and doing things properly. You then know what you should do when you’re in possession.”
County have a free weekend after going out of the League Cup, which means they can already start planning for the visit of Rangers.
It was confirmed earlier this week that the defending champions’ visit to Dingwall a week on Sunday can be played in front of a capacity crowd at the Global Energy Stadium, which will give a lift to everyone associated with the Staggies.
“I can’t wait until we have it here, I really can’t,” Mackay said.
“It was nice to have some in against Montrose, then even more against St Johnstone, but it would be nice to get the full atmosphere.
“I don’t think you’ll find anyone in football – be it journalists, fans, players or managers – that has enjoyed empty stadiums while games are going on.
“It really does show you that the fans make such a difference to our game.
“We knew it was going to be a tough first month. The top five from last year as our first five games. Wow.
“The title holders coming here a week on Sunday is fantastic and I’m sure this place will be rocking.
“It’s what you’re involved in football for. You want that atmosphere and to test yourselves against the best. Right now, it’s early on in our process, but we’ll get there.”
