Derry City secured a place in the cup final after a win at Eamonn Deacy Park, with player Michael Duffy stating that reaching the final was important following a tough year for the club.
An emotional Duffy spoke after the final whistle about the significance of the achievement.
It was so important we got to the final this year. It’s been a tough year all round. Now we can get a real buzz around the town this month, build it up and get that good feeling back between us all. We’ve a brilliant day to look forward to.
Michael Duffy, Derry City player
Connolly’s Impact on Derry City’s Free-Flowing Style
Derry City’s on-field form has improved since the August appointment of Connolly, a former defender whose management has helped remove relegation fears while steering the team into the cup final. Duffy credited the manager with lifting pressure off the squad and encouraging players to express themselves.
According to Duffy, the coaching staff promotes free-flowing tactics and expects defenders to play out from the back. Players practice taking risks during training sessions, backed by clear instruction from the sideline.
He’s letting us play free-flowing football, encouraging all the defenders to try and play football as we’re all good players. He wants us to take risks and we’re constantly doing that every day in training. Before matches he’s saying that if we lose the ball, that’s on him.
Michael Duffy, Derry City player
Duffy noted that the squad finds the approach highly enjoyable, pointing to recent weeks where the team has looked dominant and cohesive on the pitch.
Worth a look
