Source: Team_Talk
Coyle happy with Trotters efforts
olton boss Owen Coyle hailed the efforts his side after they were held to a 0-0 draw against Scottish First Division side Falkirk on Saturday.[LNB] Speaking after the full-time whistle, Coyle said he was encouraged with the response from his players following the midweek defeat against Oldham.[LNB]He told the club's official website: "It was great for us - it was a good workout and we should have scored three or four goals today. It was a great exercise, we got a lot of players match time and we enjoyed it.[LNB]"Their goalkeeper made some quality saves and there was some good interplay. You also have to give Falkirk credit too because they played well. [LNB]"We knew that we were going to have to start the game well and be motivated, and I felt we were.[LNB]"What we have to do now is sharpen everything up in the last two weeks and make sure that we're ready for Fulham.[LNB]"We chopped and changed things, some people played today and some people didn't and we will also do that on Monday when we face St Johnstone. [LNB]"Come the Osasuna game on Friday we'll look to be closer to the team for the Fulham game."[LNB]Indeed, six pre-season games have now been played against teams from four different countries, all of different standards.[LNB]And Coyle is happy with the progress that is being made with regards to fitness and match sharpness. [LNB]He added: "Pre-season is all about fitness and to make sure that you get players fit and ready to go for the start of the season, and that's where we are.[LNB]"You have to put in place a plan to get your players fit come August 14 because we have to be at our best, knowing the Barclays Premier League can be unforgiving.[LNB]"We are looking now to take that sharpness in the final third and really put an edge on it and make sure we're in good shape for the start of the season."
