‘The Portsmouth I know’: Intensity vow from dressing room as focus turns to critical Leicester City survival showdown
Pompey have performed superbly with high-intensity efforts against Middlesbrough and Ipswich Town. Andre Dozzell has dismissed concerns about doing likewise again for Leicester City.
Andre Dozzell promised Pompey can maintain their full throttle charge to Championship survival against Leicester City.
The Blues midfielder dismissed fears over fatigue and is adamant John Mousinho can replicate the intensity of their upset back-to-back victories against the Foxes this weekend.
Dozzell on Ipswich game: ‘That’s the Portsmouth I know to be honest’
The stakes are high in the relegation six pointer at Fratton Park on Saturday lunchtime, with everything on the line for both sides.
Pompey are buoyed by their wins over high-flying pair Middlesbrough and Ipswich Town, with few giving them much hope of a return in either game after eight games without victory.
Meanwhile, Leicester arrive in a perilous state after one success in 15, with victory an absolute must if they are to avoid relegation to League One a decade on from becoming Premier League champions.
It’s been a clear week for Gary Rowett’s side, however, while Pompey put in a huge amount of graft to beat Ipswich off the back of their longest away trip of the season.
Dozzell is adamant Pompey have the physical strength to go to the well again this weekend, however, after their massive physical output over the past two games.
And the midfielder sees another occasion where the Fratton Faithful can up the heat once again in response to their players’ endeavours.
He said: ‘The fans knew how big the Ipswich game was - and they got behind us.
Dozzell on fatigue: ‘I think it’s the mental side of it’
‘We bounced off that, to be fair, and everyone was running and fighting for each other.
‘That’s the Portsmouth I know to be honest, so it was good to get back to that.
‘We’re going to need more of that Saturday. We’re going to need everyone on the same page, digging in and then show that quality in the final third.
‘Of course we can go again. I think it’s the mental side of it, after you get three points all that running is worth it.
‘When it’s matchday we just need to dig in. That’s the only way we’re going to get out of this. That’s what we’re doing - so long may that continue.’
Dozzell assured Pompey fans the players understand there’s no time to revel in their outstanding efforts of the past two outings, with so much at stake against Leicester.
The guarantee of putting further distance between a relegation rival as well as putting more points on the board is the obvious prize from three points.
And the 26-year-old feels another win will take Pompey to the cusp of survival.
He added: ‘It’s a great result to back up the win on Saturday, but now our full focus has to turn to Saturday - because it’s another big one.
‘We need to dig in because we’re in a relegation battle, but we’re making good strides and need to carry on.
‘The mood is good, but we all know the job’s not done yet so we need to stay grounded. It’s a six pointer. Every game’s like a cup final at the moment.
‘Saturday is huge for us. If we can win that it will be three on the bounce - and almost safety. So it’s huge for us and where all of our focus lies.’