Edwards on injuries, playing the top teams and past performances
- Published
Rob Edwards has been speaking to the media before Luton's Premier League match against Arsenal on Tuesday
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Edwards confirmed that Tom Lockyer wasn’t present at training today but he will give him as much time as possible. He added that Lockyer is a very important player for the Hatters and he still has a few hours to decide on his fitness, especially with the later kick-off.
Teden Mengi is in contention and has been training today. Albert Sambi Lokonga is fit but available for Sunday's game instead and Alfie Doughty is progressing well.
Edwards says the key focus against Arsenal is that the squad has to be very good without the ball.
On their performance against Brentford: "We dipped below our levels in certain areas of the game on Saturday. We made too many errors. We weren’t aggressive enough. It wasn’t just possession we were lacking, there were other things. We've had a good meeting and training session and are looking to rectify it tomorrow."
On playing against top teams: "This week and these next couple of days for us are really exciting. A few years ago playing against Manchester City and Arsenal in the same week would’ve felt like million miles away and not possible. We want to enjoy it but our job is to be competitive, which we will be."
Edwards feels playing three Premier League games in quick succession in the past did take a little bit of a toll on the group. However, they are ready for it and are becoming more used to the physical demands the league offers.
When asked about whether the game being at home would be an advantage he said: "It is different and quite intimidating. We will need our fans at their best. Hopefully we will bring them something to cheer about. Just because it is at home doesn’t mean it is a walk in the park."
When asked about refereeing issues he added: "The games have been incredible and it does seem like the referees are in the limelight this year. They are humans and are going to make mistakes. It’s difficult when you look back and think it could’ve been a big mistake. I’d rather talk about the football rather than the decision."
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