Peterborough United boss on his players showing a nation how good they are and why his son has made him a better manager
Peterborough United boss Robbie Savage has urged his players to show the nation just how good they are on Saturday evening.
The FA Cup first round tie between Posh and League One rivals Reading at the Weston Homes Stadium will be screened live on TNT Sports (8pm kick off).
The TV cameras have been attracted by the prospect of the Posh manager crossing swords with his son Charlie, a Reading midfielder.
Naturally Savage senior was quizzed about the family affair in his pre-match press conference on Thursday, but he was also at pains to assure everyone this is a huge game for a Posh team desperate for a confidence-boosting win.
The Posh boss has been working on different playing formations this week. He will be without right-back Cark Johnston because of illness and flying winger Owura Edwards because of injury.
Savage said: “We’ve had a free week and we’ve been working on different shapes. We have a plan A, B and C. According to our data guys the players have just had the hardest back-to-back days in training as we attempt to build resilience in the players and come up with the solutions to beat a very good Reading side.
"I keep saying I have a great group of players because I really believe it. It’s okay saying this player can do this and that, but they needs to start doing it on the pitch. Our turning point has to come soon surely? And this match gives the players a chance to show the nation how good they are. We will be going as strong as possible, while being ready for whatever Reading decide to do.
"There is a fireworks display in Peterborough that night and hopefully we can deliver fireworks on our pitch.”
Charlie Savage could start. He hasn’t started a League One game for ‘The Royals’ this season, but he has started cup matches. Robbie Savage said it’s a horrible situation for both, but he insists his son has made him a better, more caring manager.
"It’s a storyline that has clearly grabbed the attention,” the Posh boss added. “It’s a big game for both sides first and foremost, but it’s been a difficult week for me because I have spoken to Charlie before every game he’s ever played for Reading, but I won’t before this one. We normally speak every day, but not this week. I don’t want to put him into a vulnerable position where he might slip in something about their team.
“Charlie has subconsciously made me a better manager because I insist on treating my young players as I would treat my son. I’ve seen the vulnerability of young players who move away from home and live alone. I’ve dealt with all that with Charlie. He has made the family proud. He doesn’t drink, he got nine As in his O levels so he’s bright and he loves his life as a footballer. He’s one of the most committed young men I’ve seen.
"He’s going through a tough time this season, but top players go through tough times and often come out the other side as better players. He has got where he is on his own merits. It’s been nothing to do with me.
"We will both be desperate for a great result on Saturday. Charlie’s mother, brother and other family members will be there and it will be emotional afterwards no matter what the result. I will be consoling him or congratulating him.”