Fitzgerald rallies Reds as focus shifts to Sligo challenge | OneFootball

The Reds make the trip to the Showgrounds on Saturday evening as they face Sligo Rovers in the SSE Airtricity League Men’s Premier Division, looking to respond following a difficult week both on and off the pitch.

Following Joey O’Brien’s departure earlier this week, Lorcan Fitzgerald has taken interim charge of the first team ahead of Saturday’s clash, with the Reds aiming to return to winning ways after last week’s 2-2 draw with Drogheda United and Monday night’s 3-0 defeat to Bohemians.

Speaking to ShelsTV ahead of the trip to Sligo, Fitzgerald acknowledged it has been a whirlwind few days but believes unity throughout the club will be key as the Reds look to get their season back on track.

“It’s been a hectic week of course, but in football you don’t get time to settle, it won’t wait for you,” Fitzgerald said.

“The message since I’ve stepped in as interim has been clear, we are together from the board to the staff, to the players, to the supporters. We need to be united at this time and get back to winning ways and I’m confident with the group we have that we can do that at the Showgrounds tomorrow night.”

As former Shelbourne captain, Fitzgerald admits his long association with the club gives him an understanding of moments like these, but insists the focus remains entirely on helping the players respond.

“I’ve been around this club a long time, I’ve been there in good times and not so good times, but it’s not about me. My job is to get a reaction out of the players. The best thing about football is there’s always another game, another chance to make this right.”

Given his role as manager of the club’s U20s, Fitzgerald already knows many of the current squad, particularly those who have recently returned from injury, something he believes will help during this interim period.

“I’m not a stranger to the group. I’ve been in and around them in recent times which is helpful. Some of the first team players returning from injury have also played for me with the U20s.

“For me it’s all about the players knowing exactly what job they need to do, to go out and right a few wrongs.”

While a change in management can often bring uncertainty, Fitzgerald says his priority has been providing calmness and clarity while reinforcing belief within the dressing room.

“Calmness, clarity on the task at hand and a strong sense of togetherness have been the main messages to the group and what we’d hope the supporters would feel too.”

“I’m not here to reinvent anything, I’m here to steady the ship. With this group of players, we expect to get a result tomorrow night. We have the best squad in the league and if we go up and do our job we expect to leave with three points.”

Having experienced a managerial change himself during his playing days at Tolka Park, Fitzgerald understands the different emotions players can experience during weeks like this.

“I’ve been at the club during a change of manager. I’m sure those with a good relationship will have been disappointed and those who maybe weren’t getting their game will see this circumstance as an opportunity and a clean slate.”

“This team tomorrow has an opportunity to state their claim. Leading into Europe we need to find our form and get back to basics, and that starts on Saturday.”

Attention now turns to Sligo Rovers, with Fitzgerald expecting another stern examination despite their recent results.

“Sligo are a brilliant side. I’ve watched their last few matches and they’ve been slightly unlucky. Defensively they’re structured and they have great pace going the other way. It’s so important that we turn up on Saturday and bring the hurt of Monday night’s defeat and if we go and do that I expect us to go and win the game.”

Fitzgerald also had a clear message for the Shelbourne supporters ahead of the trip west, promising commitment and togetherness from everyone representing the club.

“Hard work and every single player willing to work and die for the crest, 100% effort. That was always my pride as a player.”

“The staff and players are together. I’m sure the supporters are coming in numbers to the Showgrounds and we’re all with them as they’re with us. Hopefully that will roll into a performance and a result we all want together.”

Monday night’s defeat to Bohemians was a painful one for everyone connected with the club, and Fitzgerald says the players are determined to put things right.

“I’m sure Monday night’s result hurt the players and the supporters, and the squad knows they need to produce.”

“We are bringing unity right through the club from players, staff to supporters. We hope to all pull together, show the quality we have in the dressing room and produce the performance we all deserve together.”