[BFC SITE] ️ Darrell Clarke ahead of Exeter City

Fixtures

• Exeter City Vs. Barnsley - Sat, Dec 14 2024, 15:00

Reds Head Coach Darrell Clarke spoke to the media to preview our trip to face Exeter City in Sky Bet League One.

On Recent Performances and Results

"It’s a case of wanting more, you know. Performances have been good, but the results haven’t been good enough anywhere. That brings frustration around the building and in the changing rooms. But it’s important to put context into it, let the boys know where we need to improve, and continue backing them to improve results."
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Lessons and Ruthlessness

"We played really well for 60 minutes, scored a goal, and then allowed them to score 30 seconds later. That’s a tough pill to swallow. We need to learn to be ruthless—not just in front of goal but in key moments where we must defend our lead by doing the basics right."
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Expectations and Accountability

"Culture is key. We’ve got a tremendous group, but players have to show they’re top six calibre in this division. Expectations are high, and rightly so. I’m ruthless when it comes to getting the best out of them. Consistency is key to being a top player at this level, and we haven’t shown enough of that yet."
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Injury Update

"Marc will be out for up to six weeks with a calf tear. Fabio’s shoulder operation will sideline him for three months. Humphrys is fine, but these are tough blows. That said, injuries won’t be an excuse—we get on with it, and this is an opportunity for others to step up."
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January Window and Long-Term Goals

"The January window will be important. We’re in regular talks with Mladen and the board to strengthen the squad and keep progressing. My job is to get the most out of my players, push them to their limits, and collectively improve as a team. We all want to get out of this division, and that requires constant improvement."
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Exeter City Preview

"Any team can cause problems, and Exeter have good technical players. But our focus is on us—what we need to do to create the right platform and win. I believe in the boys and think we’re capable of stringing wins together. We’ve lost our way recently, but we’re determined to turn performances into points."
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Looking Ahead

"We shouldn’t become victims of our circumstances. We can’t gripe about injuries or results; we must do something about it. I believe we’ll be in the top six. The fanbase is passionate, and we owe them success. That’s what gets me up every morning—striving to make this club better and better."
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He definitely talks the talk.

 

He didn't say owt I disagree with there. Not lying and not hiding. Sounds fair enough.

 

Indeed. I know I spout some tripe (you don't have to agree ) but Clarke has been badly let down by the players.

 

You never spout tripe mate!!

 

What do you want him to do be a miserable so and so - to be fair most managers would be in too the “everything’s against us” mindset by now. All things considered look at our league position compared to Rotherham as an example.

 

Rotherham are 7 points behind us with 2 games in hand so we’ve not done much better to be fair.

 

They have to win those games though. Weve been deeply unlucky recently and I still think we will click mate.

 

Hope you’re right mate but trying to turn a bad run around with a depleted squad and a tough run of fixtures isn’t going to be easy. Reckon it’ll get worse before it gets better.

 

Win football matches? Especially at home 2 league wins at home isnt good enough. Make substitutes that influence games? Stop blaming the players after every defeat?

 

"I’m ruthless when it comes to getting the best out of them."

Hmmmmm, not a statement I'd be making at the moment Darrell, your ruthlessness looks pretty lenient right now. It's not working.