"We need to get that tide turned!" Graham Coughlan admits Mansfield Town are in a dark place, but believes squad will reach potential

Boss believes things will improve...
Graham Coughlan. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)Graham Coughlan. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)
Graham Coughlan. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)

Graham Coughlan confessed Mansfield Town's squad were in a 'dark place' after they dropped into the League Two relegation zone on Saturday.

However, the Irishman is adamant his squad will fulfill their potential and begin to climb the table.

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"It's hard, it's tough. The feeling you get deep inside as a manager is really hard to deal with," Coughlan confessed as the weekend's 3-1 defeat to Bradford City at One Call Stadium stretched the Stags' winless start to the season to nine matches.

"We're all in a dark place, we're all suffering and we just need to stick together, dig deep and get that tide tuned in our direction.

"I have belief and trust in the group. They're better and capable of showing better performances and better results.

"They're a good group of lads but they need to be a little bit tougher with each other and themselves. They need to cut out the individual errors and softness."

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Coughlan believes the poor start to the season can be put down to teething problems as he attempts to change the club's style of play.

He added: "We're trying to change the brand, we're trying to create a football-based team, a possession-based team.

"We like to be honest and hard working, I think that's evident.

"We've got some tidy players, we like to get the ball wide and get it in the box."

The Stags face Morecambe on Tuesday (KO 6.30pm).