With eight matches left in the regular season, Robbie Savage has challenged his Forest Green Rovers squad to raise their level as they look to secure a play-off place.
The push begins with a tough home fixture against an in-form Wealdstone side this weekend, making it a crucial moment in their campaign.
Speaking after an abject 2-0 defeat at Southend United, Savage said: “There was no desire on the second balls. The back line was really deep and we couldn’t get the press.
“If you can’t fight, if you can’t win second balls, and you haven’t got that desire – and they out-battled us today – then you deserve to lose the game.
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Despite the setback, Forest Green remain six points clear of FC Halifax Town, with a superior goal difference in the play-off race. Savage, who watched the defeat from the stands due to a touchline ban, is ready to return this Saturday: “I can guarantee one thing – it’ll be a better performance.
“There are some tough games coming. We’ve been to places like Southend, Carlisle, York and Rochdale and deserved something from those games”
Savage wants his side to show more desire: “Desire is the biggest thing. They’re good players- they’re all good players – but if you haven’t got desire and the attitude to work for your team, and game management, then you’ll struggle.”
