Gillingham’s players are understanding the mentality needed under their new manager.
John Coleman believes the squad are adapting to his methods – and now he wants moments of quality to ensure they get back to winning ways.
“I think they understand our mentality,” said the Gills boss. “I’ve tried to get that into players, it isn’t easy, but I think they’re getting it.
“I think they’re disappointed in themselves that they haven’t produced better results.
“It’s not like they’re burying their heads in the sand. I think they’re keen to win, they’re keen to win for the fans.
“We have to improve the quality. I know the quality is in the squad, but we have to produce it more.
“We have to pass the ball better, we have to create better chances and we have to take our chances when they do present themselves.
“That’s something that we need to improve on, making and taking chances.
“I think just a little bit of quality in vital times has let us down since I’ve been here, and watching the games prior to me coming here as well, so that’s something we’d like to brush up on.”
The Gills travel to bottom side Carlisle, who recently appointed former Manchester United and Wales forward Mark Hughes as their head coach.
They’re six points from safety while Gills currently sit eight points above the drop zone. It’s a big game for both sides.
“Obviously you’d have to think they’re desperate to win and we’ve got to go in there with a mentality that we want to win as well,” said Coleman, who will welcome back forward Joe Gbode from injury.
“We’ve done our homework on Carlisle, as I’m sure they’ve done their homework on us. The lads have slowly started to fall into a way of playing that could suit us.
“It has to be high tempo, it has to be high energy and I think we’ve seen that quite a bit in the last two games.
“You are playing against a team who’s desperate to win, but we are as well. It’s not as if it’s a one-way process this. We haven’t been on a great run, performances have improved, but that hasn’t been in the results.
“We’ve just got to keep believing and keep going and if play the way we have done the last two games, particularly in the second half on Saturday, it gives you the better chance of winning the game.
“There’s no guarantee about winning games of football, there’s loads of variables. We have to be able to capitalise on any errors they make and try to avoid the errors ourselves to give them a leg up.”
