Read KENNY JACKETT
Blues boss maintains belief in players but admits need for improvement
I do believe in this group of players and that we can go on the type of run we’re going to need to get us one of those three promotion places.
KENNY JACKETT retains the belief that his Pompey team are good enough for promotion.
Yet he admits his out-ofform side must triumph in a ‘high percentage’ of their remaining 15 League One matches.
A dismal 2-1 defeat at managerless Doncaster last night means the Blues have taken just four points from a possible 15 in recent weeks.
Suddenly a team gazing towards the top two are nervously looking over their shoulders at a chasing pack closing in.
Incredibly, Pompey were top of the table during the festive period.
Now the fifth-placed side are only two points clear of Ipswich, who are one position outside the play-off spots in seventh following a run of three successive victories.
Jackett told The News: ‘The points are still there. We have 45 points to play for and we’ll need to win a high percentage of them.
‘We understand we need to find some better form.
‘We are frustrated. We are frustrated with the loss last night because we started the day in fourth spot and Doncaster have pulled us back.
‘If you don’t win on a consistent basis, two games out of three, three out of four, then it does catch up on you.
‘I do believe in this group of players and that we can go on the type of run we’re going to need to get us one of those three promotion places at the end of the season.
‘You are aware of the clubs behind you. There are 8-10 very good clubs and I am pleased to say we have been one of them.
‘With a lot of them, their form has gone up and down – ours has – and that’s the main thing to concentrate on.
‘We have to look forward and do everything we can to try to get it right if possible and make sure that we earn our confidence again.’
Doncaster scored through Reece James and substitute Fejiri Okenabirhie.
Blues substitute John Marquis netted three minutes into time added on, but the visitors didn’t warrant anything from their Keepmoat Stadium trip. A significant improvement will be required when they travel to relegationthreatened Northampton on Saturday before hosting fourth-placed Sunderland in front of the Sky Sports cameras next Tuesday night.
Jackett added: ‘Certain things can spark you off, certain wins, certain moments in games.
‘In that second half it looked like we needed that moment. The moment didn’t come until the 93rd minute, yet we did create another chance after that.
‘We are looking for those to lift our confidence. Also we have to take responsibility and do everything we can to earn some confidence again.’