Rob Elliot says he does not believe Carlisle United can play in any other style than the front-foot attacking seen against Scunthorpe United.
The Blues won 4-2 on Bank Holiday Monday in a game that could easily have seen many more goals.
It was a welcome display of attacking intent from Elliot’s side, who claimed their second win of the National League season in the process at Brunton Park.
And while United also had their shaky moments at the other end, Elliot says a more defensive set-up is not in this squad’s interests.
“We can’t sit back. We haven’t got the players for it – I’ll be really honest about that,” he told the News & Star.
“We haven't got the players who can sit back and defend for large periods of the game, and absorb pressure and hope to counter.
“And also, I don't want to watch that football. And I'd like to think a lot of the fans don't want to watch that.
“There will be times we have to be better defensively, but I think that will naturally get better as it comes, with the understanding of the press, and getting back to basics without the ball.
“But the amount of opportunities we're creating is the most pleasing thing.”
Carlisle scored four goals for the second successive home game as Miguel Azeez, Regan Linney, Josh Williams and Junior Luamba cut through Andy Butler’s Scunthorpe.
A key period came after Iron attacker Jordan Richards had cancelled out Azeez’s opener in the first half – with Carlisle quickly back on the front foot to score through Linney and Williams.
Elliot said the psychological response of his side then was vital.
“It was really pleasing because I've been open and honest with the lads about this,” he said.
“After Worthing [the 3-2 defeat on the opening day] it really opened my eyes to the last few years, what it's done to the players and the place and the fans.
“Because I think there's a bit of – and I hope it’s not too strong a word – PTSD in terms of things haven't gone the way we wanted, and sometimes when things go against us there can be a bit of a lull, from everyone, and I think we need to manage that better.
“The way we do that is be aggressive.
“My message to the players was, ‘If we score one we score two, if they score one we score one’ – we don't stop looking to score because that's our strength and it's quite clear to see.
“The players will get better and better with that and I think, as we play more games, as the fans see us more, there'll be more of an understanding of what we're trying to do.
“What was pleasing was that we really stepped on at home and created a lot of opportunities.”
Linney was in dangerous mood as he scored his second of the season and caused Scunthorpe plenty of problems.
Elliot put this down to the way the team “struck to the structure” and added: “Sometimes the lads have to understand the out-of-possession [work] dictates the in-possession [stuff] – the quicker you get the ball back, with the other team unsettled, the more space you give your attacking players.
“It was really pleasing to see Regan getting that joy.
“Also I think for Regan, from the back end of last season, it maybe wasn't as free-flowing for him.
“He puts a lot of pressure on himself, and I think you could feel that tenseness but now the goals are coming, I fully expect him to keep them coming and he's just got to back himself.”
Elliot had praise for the adaptability Jack Ellis showed in defence and midfield, and the selfless work Georgie Kelly carried out in Carlisle’s attack.
He was also delighted for Williams, whose return to the starting line-up saw the full-back score his first career goal.
“Josh needs to get up to speed because he missed a lot of football in pre-season, and he’d been a little bit frustrated with not getting the minutes, but Leo Duru has been fantastic,” said Elliot.
“To have those two together is superb – and Josh was brilliant today.
“I didn't realise it was his first goal. I've spoken to him about that as I want to see more from him in the final third – he's got so much ability.
“It was a great finish with his left foot but I want to see more from him all the time because he's a serious player and I think we haven't seen the best of him yet.”
Elliot admitted Carlisle should have scored even more goals and wants his side to develop into a more ruthless team.
“I probably killed the mood in the dressing room afterwards, because I just said to the lads, ‘Look, I don't think you realise how good you are and I need you to start believing in it’.
“They’re great lads but when they get that belief and understanding even more we can do some real damage.”
Elliot feels that aspect of the game can also have a positive effect on Carlisle’s defensive output, after they conceded twice to Butler’s side and are still without a clean sheet this season.
“I think that comes down to time,” he said.
“For the players who've missed a lot of football, it's time together, it's time getting used to the structure, and I think that will come naturally.
“Being more ruthless in front of the goal, going 2-0 or 3-0 up, changes the picture too, because teams start thinking about sitting back and protecting their pride.
“So I think when we are more ruthless that also helps with the clean sheets.”
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