Following a hard-fought 2-0 pre-season victory against Charlton Athletic XI, Adam shared his thoughts and insights. Despite acknowledging some shortcomings in the team’s performance, Adam found plenty of positives to take forward as the team prepares for the new season.

“This was definitely our toughest test so far,” Adam began, expressing his gratitude and acknowledging the difficulty of the match. “Charlton Athletic XI really challenged us, and it’s the first time we didn’t dominate possession. Despite it probably being our worst performance of the pre-season, it was incredibly valuable in terms of learning. The mark of a good team is finding a way to win even when you’re not at your best, and we did that today.”

Reflecting on the mixed feelings about the game, Adam emphasised how “Pre-season games are about building habits and learning. While our performance levels weren’t where they should be, the experience was invaluable. Winning today, even without playing our best, shows our resilience. There were a lot of positives to take from the 90 minutes.”

The discussion then shifted to the goal contributions of Ligendza and Sesay, with Ligendza making a notable impact off the bench. “The subs brought a new energy to the game, which was great to see,” Adam commented. “We have a specific style of play that involves taking risks, and with that comes mistakes. Today, we were a bit sloppy in possession and made too many errors, but I can accept that when it’s part of our playing style. We need to ensure we do the basics right. The opponent deserves credit for how they set up, but we also need to improve certain aspects if we want to be successful.”

Looking ahead to the upcoming match against AFC Totton, Adam expressed readiness and anticipation. “It’s going to be another tough challenge, and that’s exactly what we planned for in our pre-season,” he said. “We knew Charlton would be energetic with lots of tactical rotations, and Totton will be a different kind of test. They had a fantastic season last year, and playing them away will be a good experience for us. We’re looking forward to it.”

Finally, Adam shared a message for the fans as the team approaches the final pre-season games and the start of the new season. “We’re all on a learning curve – players and supporters alike,” he stated. “We’ve only been together for four weeks, and we’re still integrating. I ask the supporters to understand our style, which involves taking risks. I won’t apologize for that because I believe it will lead to success. Mistakes will happen, but those are on me, not the players. I just ask the fans to back the players, give them confidence, and if there’s criticism, direct it towards me.”

Adam’s reflections showcase a balanced perspective, acknowledging both the challenges and the progress made during this crucial pre-season period. His emphasis on learning, resilience, and team unity sets a positive tone as the team prepares for the challenges ahead.