Oldham Athletic Manager Frankie Bunn believes that the recent International break will benefit his squad over the upcoming weeks.
Latics face the prospect of seven games in 22 days starting with the visit of Port Vale on Saturday, but Bunn thinks his side may have benefited from a short break.
“Hopefully the break will be an advantage, the players have had their time to refresh and clear their minds because not only physically but mentally it’s been tough, so we're recharged and ready to go with a real positiveness around the squad.” Bunn said.
“We were good Monday back in training, obviously some players weren’t here, but everyone else came back refreshed and we’ve had a good three/four days now in preparation for the game Saturday.”
The break gave an opportunity for the management staff to take time off from football, but Bunn says it was still on his mind despite not having a game.
“I watched a bit of football because that never leaves you and I went on loads of walks just contemplating and thinking about the upcoming weeks.” He commented.
“Andy Rhodes and I went to watch Port Vale, so we've been keeping an eye on things along with other games, but it’s something we enjoy, and love, it never ever leaves you even if you take a breather football is always in the back of your mind.”
Latics will be looking to build on their last fixture, the 1-4 win over League One Bradford City in the Checkatrade Trophy.
However, Bunn knows that his side need to improve the home form if the club want to start moving up the table.
“I thought it was a very good performance at Bradford, scoring four games away from home is something we want to try and replicate here.
“There's been a lot of goals scored at Boundary Park but unfortunately we've conceded a few, it's something we're looking to build on and improve upon.
“I’ve said it before, we're not the finished article yet, but we try to move forward and be positive in everything we do.”
Oldham’s opposition on Saturday, Port Vale, will be coming into the game off the back of a heavy defeat to league leaders Lincoln City last weekend.
The Valiants that game 2-6, so Bunn is expecting a reaction from Neil Aspin’s side.
“When you've been beaten the way that they've been beaten last Saturday I think they'll be tight.
“Albeit a lot of the goals came from set plays, but I think any manager in their right mind would tighten things up and be disciplined in their performance especially away from home.
“I've played against Neil (Aspin) when he was at Leeds, I haven't come across him managerial or coaching wise yet, but since he got his chance at Port Vale he's been doing a good job there.”
After the short break Bunn and his side are itching to get back out on a Saturday afternoon.
“I’m looking forward to the game, that's what we're here for and hopefully the supporters will be with us again, making some noise at Boundary Park and getting behind the lads.”