Miron Muslic has urged Plymouth Argyle to believe in their ability to produce another Home Park upset when they host play-off chasing Coventry City on Easter Monday.
The relegation-threatened Pilgrims have already beaten Norwich City and Sheffield United in recent home matches and, despite a painful late defeat at Middlesbrough on Good Friday, Muslic remains convinced his side can pull off what he describes as “the almost impossible”.
Argyle remain bottom of the Championship, effectively four points adrift of safety with three matches remaining, but Muslic has called for mental sharpness rather than self-pity as the season reaches a critical point.
Muslic Takes Heart from Recent Performances
Reflecting on the defeat to Middlesbrough, Muslic was full of praise for his players’ commitment and physical effort despite conceding a controversial late penalty.
“The physical output was just immense and we throw ourselves in every duel. We have to recover very fast because our time is limited. We have to maximise this to have, I cannot say a freshness in our legs, it’s impossible after two days, but a freshness in our head. We can work on this,” said Muslic.
He added that performances like those against Norwich and Sheffield United at Home Park show that Argyle are a match for anyone when fully focused and energised. The Croatian coach insists creating the same environment and intensity against Coventry will be crucial.
Coventry, led by Frank Lampard, arrive in strong form after beating West Bromwich Albion 2-0 on Friday to strengthen their grip on a play-off place. However, Muslic believes the fight his players have shown gives them every chance of securing another vital home win.
Injuries and Suspensions Force Changes
Argyle will be without captain Joe Edwards, who serves a suspension following his red card against Middlesbrough. There are also concerns over defender Julio Pleguezuelo, who picked up a knock on Teesside, although Nikola Katic could return from a hamstring injury.
Muslic’s side flew back immediately after their defeat in the north-east to maximise recovery time ahead of Easter Monday’s must-win fixture.
With relegation rivals Cardiff City, Luton Town, Derby County and Hull City all also in action, Easter Monday could prove pivotal in determining the Pilgrims’ fate.
Writer’s View
Miron Muslic’s rallying call captures the spirit Plymouth Argyle must show in these final weeks. They will need every ounce of belief and energy to overcome the odds. Beating Coventry will not be easy, but recent home form suggests the Pilgrims are far from giving up on their Championship survival dream just yet.
