Waterford FC manager Graham Coughlan believes his side are ready to embrace the challenge of the trip to face Galway United at Pearse Stadium.

The Blues return to League of Ireland Premier Division action with confidence growing following an impressive run of form in recent weeks.

However, Coughlan is fully aware of the challenge that awaits in Galway, with the manager pointing to the difficult pitch, the quality of the opposition and Waterford’s recent history in the fixture.

“This is going to be a huge challenge, and there’s no getting away from it,” Coughlan said.

“It’s going to be a real test for us.”

Waterford were beaten 4-0 on their last visit to Galway, a result which remains in the memory of the club and the players.

However, Coughlan believes his side are now a different team with a different mindset and mentality.

“We’re probably a different animal now. We’re a different team now. We’ve got a different mindset, different mentality.”

The Waterford manager also confirmed that the squad continues to deal with one or two injury concerns following last weekend’s FAI Cup victory over Cobh Ramblers.

However, the extra recovery time could prove beneficial, while Coughlan was quick to praise the players who stepped into the side in recent weeks.

“We’ve got one or two problems, one or two issues. If they’re not right this week, I’m sure they’ll be ready for next week.”

“The lads who came in last week have done exceptionally well, so what will be will be, and we’ll just get on with whatever we have.”

“We’ll get up the road with as strong a squad as we can, and we’ll no doubt give a really good, strong account of ourselves.”

Waterford’s recent performances have created a growing sense of confidence within the squad, with Coughlan highlighting the belief, desire and togetherness that has developed around the club.

The Blues have recorded three wins and a draw in their last four games, while their recent form has significantly improved their position in the Premier Division.

“There’s definitely a confidence about the lads. There’s definitely a belief about the lads. There’s definitely a desire and a hunger.”

“You can see that. I think that’s obvious.”

Coughlan also pointed to the togetherness being built throughout the club, with the Waterford FC men’s and women’s teams and staff recently coming together away from the pitch.

“We had a lovely night out last Saturday with all the staff and the girls team. We’ve got the whole club together as well.”

“So there was a real camaraderie there that we’re trying to build.”

Despite the recent improvement, Coughlan insists that Waterford cannot afford to become distracted by their previous results.

“The next game is the one that matters, not the last one. It’s the next one.”

And while Galway’s record against Waterford underlines the difficulty of the challenge, Coughlan believes the Blues must focus on imposing their own game on the contest.

“I’d let Galway worry about us rather than us worry about them.”

The Waterford manager expects a fiercely competitive game between two sides with plenty of quality and believes the fine details could prove decisive.

“It’ll be a battle. It’ll be a fight. We know what we’re getting involved in.”

“But it’s about that fine detail. If we can get that fine detail right and execute our game plan to the letter of the law, I think we’re in with a real good chance.”

Galway’s physicality is likely to be a major factor on Saturday, but Coughlan believes there is more than one way to approach the game.

“Many ways to skin a calf. There’s many a way to play the game.”

The Waterford boss says his players must be prepared to match Galway physically, while also maintaining the mental strength and defensive discipline required to come away with a positive result.

“Physicality is part and parcel of football. It’s part and parcel of sport.”

“You have to be physically prepared. You have to be mentally prepared. Your mindset has to be strong.”

Coughlan’s message to his team is simple: defend their own box with determination and take their opportunities at the other end.

“We’ve got to defend that box with a hunger and a desire, with a determination.”

“We are a dangerous team offensively. Defensively, we’ve got to get it right and we’ve got to be strong. We’ve got to be solid and win every challenge, every duel, every battle.”

Despite the difficult task facing his side, Coughlan remains confident in the group he has assembled and believes they have already overcome a number of significant challenges during his time in charge.

“I have every confidence in this group of lads.”

“They’ve met many a challenge from the day I’ve come in, and they’ve overcome them. Fair play to them and long may that continue.”

Waterford FC will be hoping that their recent momentum can continue when they travel to Pearse Stadium on Saturday evening.

Live on WLR

WLR will have live coverage of Galway United FC versus Waterford FC from Pearse Stadium on Saturday.

Kick-off: 5:00 pm

COMMENTARY TEAM:  Ray Scott and former Waterford FC Manager Tommy Griffin        

With thanks to: John Murphy Carpets

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