Tiernan Lynch insists he is not concerned about Derry City’s League position but knows results have to improve soon with the club potentially heading into the international break bottom of the Premier Division.
A win at Sligo Rovers on Saturday night (7.45pm) would not only change that fact but also bring some much-needed relief to Lynch and his players after a difficult start to the 2025 season which has brought just one win in five games.
Much more was expected of City at the start of the campaign, with a new manager and some big names signed, but the expectation hasn’t materialised into results just yet.
“We certainly won’t be going into Saturday night thinking about where we are in the League table,” Lynch stated.
“We’ve got very clear goals about what we want to do and it’s always one game at a time for us.
“Can we build on our performances and the areas we feel we need to improve? We’re working really hard on the areas we feel we’re doing really well and, again, we’re continuing to try and develop those.
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“As I keep saying, this is an ongoing process.
“This is a journey for us. Our League position at this stage isn’t something we’re overly concerned with.”
Derry have taken just two points from their previous six visits to the Sligo Showgrounds, making it one of their least favourite grounds to visit.
Lynch did win on his first visit to Sligo in a pre-season friendly but is well aware of the difficulties the Candystripes have had in recent times.
“You’re always looking for slants on this, but ultimately, it’s another game,” he said.
“It’s a difficult game. Previously, the record hasn’t been great, but they are games that are dead and buried now.
“It’s about looking forward and about what we can do.
“Our objective is to go down there and get three points. The boys have been working really, really hard and, hopefully, we can do that.”
With a trip to Shamrock Rovers on the horizon beyond the international break, the games are not getting any easier for Lynch and his team, making Saturday night’s game at the Showgrounds very important.
“Every week is a long week when you don’t get results. Three points and a night’s sleep would be the order of the day,” he continued.
“They’re a team that’s scoring goals. I think they’ve eight goals so far in the last five games, so they know where the net is and that’s something we need to be very conscious of.
“I think they’ve also conceded 12 goals, which is something we need to use to our advantage.
“There’s no doubt about it, it’s going to be a tough game.”