Cork City manager Ger Nash: We have 17 games left and we have to be better

Cork City boss Ger Nash pulled no punches following his side’s 2-0 defeat to Bohemians at Turner’s Cross.

He acknowledged the damage was done during a poor opening half-hour that ultimately condemned City to another home loss. Nash admitted that his side simply didn’t start well enough and struggled to wrestle back control from a dominant Bohemians side who took full advantage.

“The game was won in the first half. I think we started slowly. We sort of settled and we had a free-kick which we conceded from, which was obviously a big moment. I think it rocked us,” Nash reflected.

“The thing we had in the last couple of games was a good response — against Galway we went behind initially, against Shels we were on top with momentum. 

I think this was the first time since I’ve been here where the other team had the momentum, especially early on. 

"We couldn’t seem to get on top of them. They were relentless in that regard and we couldn't change that momentum enough in the first half an hour."

Nash highlighted how pivotal moments swung the contest and that despite signs of improvement, City were punished at crucial stages.

“Ironically I felt we had changed it just before they got their second, which is a key moment — but that’s what football is. It is about key moments and goals change games.

IMPOSE

“We need to take a lot of learning from that and move forward to a very difficult game next week. Ultimately we didn’t have enough in that opening 30 minutes of the game to impose ourselves on it the way we needed to. Bohemians were on top in that spell and that’s the big thing we need to take from the game because it’s really key.” 

While Nash acknowledged the need to tighten up defensively, he also noted that City’s attacking play lacked threat despite improving field position in the second half.

“We can look at the scoreline and we obviously need to improve defensively — you look at the key moments, the goals especially. But our attacking play tonight, in terms of getting into the final third especially in the second half, we got up the pitch, we got into good areas, but we lacked that threat.

“As I said, we need to work on both aspects of the game to win football matches.” 

Nash took full responsibility for lifting the spirits of his players, stating that they must respond — both for themselves and for the fans.

It’s my job to pick the players up. I’m responsible for that and I have to go about that and do that. We have to respond — the fans deserve that.

“We have to go to Tallaght and perform a lot closer to the previous two performances. That’s what I’ll be thinking about from now."

Despite the disappointment, Nash believes there were signs in recent games — particularly against Shelourne and Galway United — that his side can compete, but he acknowledges the size of the challenge ahead.

“The task is huge. We are in a fight, we know that. As I speak tonight, ten minutes after the final whistle, yes the task is huge — but the last two performances have shown me some positives.

BIG TASK

“The last time I was here two weeks ago after the Shels game, there were definitely some positives from that. So it’s a big task. We’ve had a tough night. We have 17 games and we have to be better.

“The players care, and we need to show fight and spirit now starting with next week up in Tallaght." 

Having seen Anthony Fennelly leave the club as goalkeeper coach earlier that week former City keeper and double-winner with the club Mark McNulty carried out the duties of goalkeeper coach for the game. Nash would not confirm whether McNulty was likely to continue in the role for the remainder of the campaign.

“Mark is helping me out at the moment and I’m delighted to have him with me at the moment.”