'We will prove ourselves at this level' - Mousinho
John Mousinho achieved promotion with Portsmouth after his first full season at the club
- Published
Portsmouth boss John Mousinho wants his side to "relish the challenge" as they prepare for life in the Championship in the coming season.
The Blues return to the second tier of English football for the first time in 12 years after winning League One last campaign.
They begin their season away at Leeds United before facing all three sides relegated from the Premier League before the end of September.
"The way we will approach it is to attack every game," Mousinho told BBC Sport.
"I want us to relish it, these are brilliant games and are massive for us but we’re not going to be daunted by it.
"We’re going to make sure we take the chance to prove ourselves at this level."
Mousinho has taken his side and staff to Croatia where they are currently preparing in warm conditions for the upcoming season.
As well as taking on Leeds, Luton, Sheffield United and Burnley before the end of September, the Blues will also face tough tests against Millwall, Middlesbrough, Sunderland and West Brom in that period.
Elland Road awaits on 10 August for the first match of the campaign when they will face the team who lost last season's play-off final to Pompey's bitter rivals Southampton.
"The standard will go up," Mousinho added.
"I don’t think you get away with mistakes at this level, you have to be at the top of your game for every minute.
"But this is where we want to be, we don’t want to be In a league where you can get away with little things, It’ll be a difficult step up but one we’re really looking forward to."
The experience of captain Pack
Marlon Pack made 39 appearances last season for the Blues across all competitions
One major boost for the Blues was the news that captain Marlon Pack had extended his deal to remain at Fratton Park for a further two years.
The 33-year-old made 39 appearances last season across all competitions and is no stranger to the second tier, having played in the division previously with Cardiff City.
"The first seven games are fantastic for us and a real challenge to embrace," Pack told BBC Sport.
"It’s all where we want to be, there’s nothing for us to fear but obviously there are sides that we will have to massively respect.
"From conversations we have had I don’t think loads will change in how we set up, what’s brought us success is going to continue to bring us success whatever that looks like."