|
" It was a very difficult game, so to win 3-1 is very pleasing. We had players come in who haven't been playing week-in, week-out - but they have come in and got a result for us. I thought their attitude was excellent. Considering some of them haven't played for a long while I have to be very pleased.
" Aruna (Dindane) just needed fitness. When he stuck out to come to Portsmouth while with his previous club, he didn't play for a long time. So by the time we got him here we had to get some work into him. He's had a pre-season but had a long time where he didn't play for his club so he lost a bit of fitness during that time. He spent two weeks with the fitness coaches and we felt it was time for a little bit more.
" The lad's only had one game, but I think there were signs there that he's going to be very important to us. We've got to be careful putting him into the Premier League, though, we don't want anything to happen to him. We've seen too often what happens when pushing people into situations when fitness is the key - it causes problems. He did really well yesterday. He's lively, a nuisance to defenders and has a very strong upper body. But I think he will admit that there's a lot more to come.
" Danny Webber is a very, very clever player. He learnt his trade at Manchester United, he's well taught and he's going to prove to be a vital member of the squad. Last night Aruna got nearly 70 minutes while Danny got a good 85 minutes and that's a big bonus for us. It's important for them to get games because it's very difficult to get them matches at this moment in time. "
While defender Younes Kaboul commented to The News :
" We needed the win and got it, despite not having a good start. It wasn't the best start, but after that we gave everything and that is why we have a happy result. We were strong and got the victory which was the most important thing. It's good for confidence and we had a good team in front of us. That is the most important thing because that will help us in the Premier League. Now we need a good game against Everton - and this gives the confidence for this.
" It wasn't hard to play with the new players at all. That's because at training we train and prepare properly. The new players started, and I was happy for them because they had their chance and played unbelievably. I'm pleased about that. Okay, we have lost six in the Premier League, but we are now looking forward to Everton. "