Oldham Athletic interim manager Richie Wellens spoke about the challenge of motivating his players ahead of tonight’s visit to Crewe Alexandra.
Latics have claimed victories in both matches since Wellens took charge, but he revealed ensuring players keep performing for this match will be a different prospect.
“I said before the Portsmouth game, it was an easy one for me,” he said. “As long as I made sure I got the tactics right and what we were going to do when we were in possession and out of possession, I felt we could win the game.
“You turn up to a nice stadium, with a beautiful pitch and it’s easy for the players to get up for.
“This one will be more difficult, because it’s a Tuesday night, there won’t be many fans there, so then that’s my job to get the players up and make sure they carry on performing.”
The visit to Gresty Road in the Checkatrade Trophy, followed by international fixtures, results in a break from the league campaign and Wellens explained that whilst this is frustrating, it is good to give the squad a rest and overseas players an opportunity to go home and see their families.
Wellens also spoke about his team selection ahead of the trip to Cheshire: “I might start two youngsters and then have a couple on the bench.
“I obviously took a lot of the young lads with me in the reserves. I think it would be a nice reward for them, because they’ve been playing well.
“I think we’ve got a good three of four youngsters who could come into the squad and train with us each day and take their careers on. It’s just that with circumstances at the moment, obviously it’s a bit more difficult to put the youngster in.”
Wellens also revealed that Craig Davies may be unavailable for the tie, after having stiches on his knee.
Latics will travel to face Crewe Alexandra at Gresty Road on Tuesday, October 3, 7:45pm kick-off.