Newport County manager Christian Fuchs believes his side’s crucial League Two clash at Cheltenham Town this Saturday will be a tale of the unexpected for the 1,000-strong Amber Army making the 58-mile journey into Gloucestershire from Gwent.
Fuchs will utilise the versatility within the squad as Newport County look to secure a result that would represent another important step towards retaining their Football League status.
County’s 5-3-2 formation proved effective in the recent 2-1 victory over Harrogate Town at Rodney Parade, a result that ensured their opponents remained bottom of the table. Asked if his side will again operate with three centre-backs and wing-backs, Fuchs kept his cards close to his chest.
“Be surprised! We did want to put more pressure on the ball against Harrogate. We wanted to win more first and second balls. We needed to be on the front foot. This is something we want to continue and be offensive-minded. At the same time, we have three strong central defenders back there.”
Fuchs feels the versatility that players like Ben Lloyd, Cameron Evans and Joe Thomas offer enables Newport County to be unpredictable in their approach.
“I never worry about what anybody else does, I just focus on ourselves. You talk about wing-backs, but I am not sure what will happen this weekend.
“Versatility is a big strength of our team. Multiple players can play in multiple positions. This makes us a little bit more unpredictable. The thing is now we can play multiple systems. The players are taking information on board and putting it into practice, which I’m really happy with. They are competing for places and that’s something I really appreciate.”
Newport County, at one stage five points adrift and without a home league win for 151 days, have steadily risen in recent weeks. A run of important results has lifted the club out of the relegation places and provided renewed belief heading into the final stages of the campaign.
County now sit just above the drop zone, with every fixture carrying added significance.
“We have everything in our own hands, we are above the drop zone,” added Fuchs. “I don’t see this as the Great Escape because the players have worked really hard for months to get things in our own hands. Now it’s about finishing things off.”
The manager remains cautious when assessing Cheltenham’s mindset.
“I don’t make assumptions, it is something I have never done over a period of time. I don’t know if we are in for a roller-coaster. The focus is always on the next game and that’s Cheltenham. The win over Harrogate has given us confidence and enables us to push forward.
“This game is important, especially at this stage of the season. But it is no more valuable than any other we have played previously. It’s another game where we are going there with the mentality to win. It’s all about us getting the simple things right.”
Addressing the challenge, Fuchs added: “It’s probably one of those where you don’t know what to expect. They likely don’t have as much to play for in terms of league position, but I assume they’ll want to finish the season strong. I am expecting a competitive game and we will be prepared.”
Fuchs has also looked to manage the mental side of his squad during a demanding period.
“At this stage of the season, it is difficult to switch off 100%. Less is probably more. It’s good for the players to take some time away from the game and come back refreshed. That’s for the staff as well, everyone.”
With results elsewhere potentially impacting the table, Fuchs insists the focus must remain on Newport County’s own performance.
“That’s a distraction obviously. It could affect the game and the mentality. I’m really not too worried about that. Regardless of that result, it has to be about our own performance. Do that and we’ll be in a good place.”
Fuchs also believes the travelling Amber Army can play a key role once again.
“Their backing has been amazing over the last few weeks. It’s a great feeling seeing how many fans will travel for this game.”
