Bristol Rovers head coach Inigo Calderon has opened up about the unexpected challenges he faced upon his arrival at the club, revealing that one of his biggest concerns was the negative atmosphere within the squad.
Calderon, who took over from Matt Taylor with the team hovering just above the relegation zone, has overseen an impressive turnaround in form, guiding the Gas to four wins in their last eight games, including a 3-1 victory over Burton Albion on Saturday.
Addressing a ‘Negative’ Atmosphere
While results have undoubtedly played a key role in lifting spirits at the club, the Spanish coach admitted he was taken aback by the mood in the dressing room and training ground upon his arrival.
“I think it was one of the keys for me because, obviously, when I came, I was just watching previous games and I knew more or less the things I had to do,” Calderon told Bristol Live. “But it’s true that when I arrived at the training ground and even at the games, I was a bit surprised—negatively—about the atmosphere, the negativity, even sadness.”
The former Brighton defender knew that turning around team morale would be essential if he was to get the best out of his players. “Obviously, you expect something that is not working, but it was quite too much,” he admitted. “So, for me, one of the most important things to change was that. And that’s not an easy one because there’s no book or recipe you can follow. It’s about building up with everyone, the staff, the players.”
Upturn in Results and Team Spirit
Fast forward a few weeks, and the transformation is evident. Rovers have picked up 13 points from their last eight games and now sit 17th in the League One table, seven points clear of the relegation zone. Calderon believes the improvement is not just down to tactics, but also a renewed energy at the club.
“If you go to the training ground now, it’s a nice atmosphere, a nice feeling,” he said. “Obviously, that comes with results, but for me, the mental part, the passion—these things are really important to perform better.”
Writer’s View
Calderon’s honesty about the state of the club when he arrived is refreshing, and his impact has been clear both on and off the pitch. By fostering a more positive atmosphere, he has helped Rovers rediscover their confidence. However, the upcoming fixtures will be a true test of whether this revival has staying power.
