Mark Hughes has used a national media interview to stress his belief that Carlisle United can avoid relegation.
The head coach was interviewed by TalkSport on Tuesday morning and he discussed the Blues’ plight.
Hughes was asked about his role with United by Ally McCoist on the station’s breakfast show.
The experienced boss, who replaced Mike Williamson at the helm earlier this month, underlined his belief in the quality of his players, whilst conceding Carlisle must get better at taking their goalscoring chances.
Asked about his initial work at Brunton Park, Hughes said: “First and foremost we had to get an understanding of what has been going on beforehand, and what problems they had and where they were falling down in terms of results, and the thinking behind what we could do to affect that.
“The players have been excellent in terms of really embracing what we’re trying to do.
“We’re obviously waiting for our first win. The new manager bounce needs to happen a little bit more quickly than it has to this point…
Hughes, right, has been in charge for four games so far (Image: Ben Holmes)
“But I have to say, the play has been good. We’re lacking at the top end of the pitch in terms of the chances we’ve created but I’ve been happy enough with the quality I’ve found.
“That’s always a bonus. Sometimes you can come into a club and think we haven’t got enough to get out of this situation, but that’s not the case here. [Once] we get the run of the ball and get our noses in front, we’ve got good enough players here to redeem the situation we’ve found ourselves in.”
Hughes has been in charge of United for four games – resulting in two defeats and two draws – with Carlisle five points from safety with 14 games remaining. They take on Barrow on Thursday night.
The boss was asked why he opted to join the Blues in such a predicament.
“I viewed it very much as the challenge that it is,” said Hughes.
“Obviously we’re bottom of the Football League. I’ve been in relegation battles before in previous teams but haven’t actually been bottom of the league. It’s new for me to a certain extent.
“I just viewed it as that. It was an opportunity to come in and help the club. They are in a difficult situation that they want to get out of. The question was asked, ‘Would I come in and help?’ It appealed to me at the right time.”
Hughes, in the interview with McCoist and Troy Deeney, also spoke of his enduring love for football as he explained why he returned to management with United.
He also gave his views on the current situations at his former club Manchester United. The full interview can be found HERE
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