Post by Tangerine Sherlock on Oct 10, 2012 11:06:33 GMT 1
Alex Baptiste believes that Blackpool's season will well and truly start once the latest international break comes to an end.
An interrupted domestic fixture calendar so far has prevented any momentum being built up in the league, yet the 26-year-old says that will all change once players return from country duties.
"We started the season well and we're only two points off second place. The season really starts now because the international breaks will be out of the way and we've got three massive games when we come back," he said. "It's going to be interesting but I don't fear anyone in this league, we're up there with the best of them. We just need to iron out a few things and we'll be OK."
One thing that The Seasiders will have to get used to is breaking down the opposition, with teams now coming with a counter-attacking game plan to Bloomfield Road.
"People are just going to pack the midfield and shut up shop. They'll then try to nick one from a set-piece or on the break and that's something that we'll need to work on in training," he admitted.
Baptiste, who has captained Blackpool when Barry Ferguson has been absent, is also aiming to become more vocal on the field during matches.
"People that know me off the pitch will know that I'm not that vocal really but it's something that I definitely need to work on when I'm on the pitch. I'm now one of the senior players that has been at the club a long time and I should help a lot of my team-mates out."
Taking a break from action this weekend, a Lancashire derby awaits next Saturday and the players will be determined to end their recent hoodoo in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
"My uncle was saying on Saturday that it might not be the best game. I can't remember the last time we won on Sky during the season, obviously in the play-offs it has been different. Hopefully we can put that to bed and get the three points," he added.
An interrupted domestic fixture calendar so far has prevented any momentum being built up in the league, yet the 26-year-old says that will all change once players return from country duties.
"We started the season well and we're only two points off second place. The season really starts now because the international breaks will be out of the way and we've got three massive games when we come back," he said. "It's going to be interesting but I don't fear anyone in this league, we're up there with the best of them. We just need to iron out a few things and we'll be OK."
One thing that The Seasiders will have to get used to is breaking down the opposition, with teams now coming with a counter-attacking game plan to Bloomfield Road.
"People are just going to pack the midfield and shut up shop. They'll then try to nick one from a set-piece or on the break and that's something that we'll need to work on in training," he admitted.
Baptiste, who has captained Blackpool when Barry Ferguson has been absent, is also aiming to become more vocal on the field during matches.
"People that know me off the pitch will know that I'm not that vocal really but it's something that I definitely need to work on when I'm on the pitch. I'm now one of the senior players that has been at the club a long time and I should help a lot of my team-mates out."
Taking a break from action this weekend, a Lancashire derby awaits next Saturday and the players will be determined to end their recent hoodoo in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
"My uncle was saying on Saturday that it might not be the best game. I can't remember the last time we won on Sky during the season, obviously in the play-offs it has been different. Hopefully we can put that to bed and get the three points," he added.