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Darrell Clarke keen to press home Walsall's tactics

Liam Kinsella says Darrell Clarke wants Walsall to press and be a side that is tactically flexible.

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The Saddlers, who kick-off their League Two campaign in just over a fortnight, have lined up in a host of different formations during pre-season.

They have also impressed with their pressing in those outings. And Kinsella, who has just returned with the squad following a pre-season trip to Poland, believes that shows the manager is getting his ideas across.

“The gaffer wants us to be able to play in different ways,” he said. “It is up to us as players to adapt to that.

“In Poland, the match against Odra Opole was a good experience because we didn’t know much about them – the gaffer said you are going to have to figure it out yourselves.

“We worked out exactly what formation they were playing and we pinched the ball high up the pitch and got a lot of opportunities from that.

“We pressed well and that is another thing the manager wants.

“He wants us to know when to press and when not to. We are working hard on that at the moment.”

Kinsella is a fan favourite among Walsall supporters.

But he knows he faces a battle to start in central midfield this season with a host of players competing for a spot.

“There is real competition for places,” Kinsella added. “Alfie (Bates) has come in as a first-year-pro and taken his chance, he’s done really well in pre-season.

“Sincs (Stuart Sinclair), Guths (Danny Guthrie), Jack (Kirsey), Hardo (James Hardy), all the people playing in midfield are making it tough to get into the side.

“But for me, the target is to play more games than I did last season.

“I want to be starting week-in, week-out. And I want more goals and assists, that is what will make me a better player.”

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