‘A big one for us’: John Mousinho reveals why Blackburn Rovers clash is so crucial for Portsmouth
The Pompey boss is talking up the significance of Saturday’s Championship meeting with Tony Mowbray’s side. Here’s why.
John Mousinho believes Saturday’s showdown with Blackburn Rovers will define Pompey’s start to the season.
The Blues boss has made it clear victory over Tony Mowbray’s side on Saturday will cement a solid start to the Championship campaign in his eyes.
Pompey boss: ‘Blackburn is a big one for us’
And Mousinho has outlined a conviction that his team are now moving in the right direction at both ends of the pitch, as they look to progress in the second tier.
Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Charlton Athletic makes it four points from the past two games, with Pompey 18th in the table with a game in hand over most of their rivals.
A win over Blackburn will make it 10 points from seven games, heading into the three-week international break - with a return at Southampton on October 11.
That is a healthy total in Mousinho’s eyes, as a new group gels together in period where some important players have been in the treatment room.
Mousinho said: ‘Saturday is a result for us to build on.
‘We’re up against a Blackburn side next who picked up a good result on Saturday.
‘I think we’re going in the right direction but Blackburn is a big one for us.
‘I think it will define how we feel about the start of the season.
‘We’ve got ourselves into a position where we’re pretty solid at the back and goals haven’t been a huge problem this year.
‘With some of the lads who are injured at the top end of the pitch at the moment, I think they will make a difference when we get them back.’
The Charlton draw on Saturday marks back-to-back clean sheets for Pompey, with eight goals conceded from six games so far.
Mousinho’s men have found the back of the net seven times in the same period, with the 40-year-old seeing progress both defensively and going forward.
The Pompey boss felt his team offered suitable attacking threat in the second half at The Valley, while not being reckless and neglecting stability against the ball.
Mousinsho added: ‘Our downfall this season has been not controlling games and allowing sides to hit us on the counter.
‘My big emphasis to the boys is if we’re not firing at the top end of the pitch for whatever reason, then make sure we come away with a clean sheet.
‘In the meantime, to do what we’ve done this week is a step in the right direction.’