Boss looks ahead to Exeter clash
Paul Cook knows that he cannot do much to affect how other sides play.
But he is prepared to make adjustments to get Pompey playing at their best throughout the 2016/17 campaign.
Cook was surprised at how defensive Colchester were in their defeat at Fratton Park last Saturday.
And although Exeter are expected to be more expansive when they host Pompey this weekend, he will not focus too much on the opposition.
The Blues boss said: We’d been to watch Colchester and analysed the way they play on the back of two good wins, but then they came here and basically got everyone behind the ball.
“But how other teams line up isn’t really my business and we can only work on how we play and how we can improve.
“There’s no magic formula and it takes a lot of hard work on the training ground, but it’s more about tinkering than making any drastic changes.
“Our main focus is on trying to win games and we’ll try different things in order to achieve that.
“Exeter are a good side who have always played the game in a certain manner and Paul Tisdale is highly regarded in football circles for the job he’s done there.
“They’ve got a great philosophy and are obviously a well-run club – it’s a difficult place for any side to go.”
Pompey have no new injury concerns for their trip to St James Park, but one man is getting closer to a return.
Cook said: “Matt Clarke is getting fitter all the time and he should hopefully be involved against Yeovil on Tuesday night.”
Watch the manager’s thoughts on Saturday’s game below or subscribe to Pompey PlayerHD for full pre-Exeter coverage.