Assistant manager happy with progress of players
Pompey have enjoyed a successful start to pre-season.
An entertaining 6-3 win at rainy Poole meant they have now won all three of their opening friendlies.
Nicke Kabamba, Ben Close and Curtis Main all scored braces, as the Blues fought from two down to eventually secure a comfortable victory.
But although Joe Gallen is happy with their progress, he knows there is still work to do ahead of the new season.
Pompey’s assistant manager said: “We’ve got a solid group of players with a very impressive attitude and they all came back extremely fit.
"We’ve tried to introduce a few new things to them – they’ve taken that on board and are trying to apply them in the games."
“With the way that they perform you can tell they’re in a good place after what happened last season. They’re very confident in their style of play.
“We’ve tried to introduce a few new things to them – they’ve taken that on board and are trying to apply them in the games.
“So we’re very happy with what we’ve got, although of course you’re always looking to improve – that’s natural.
“Working on that understanding does take time and you need continuous, repetitive work.
“We’re trying to get more shots and crosses in, and be a bit more direct when we get into the final third.”
Gallen arrived at Fratton Park alongside manager Kenny Jackett earlier in the summer and has enjoyed his time on the south coast.
He said: “I’ve loved it so far. I know Pompey from playing against them in the past and coming down to watch games last season.
“So I had a really good understanding of what we were walking into. This is a fantastic club with loud and passionate support.
“It’s on the way back to bigger and better things, and hopefully we can build on what happened last season.”
Gallen also revealed that defender Matt Clarke is struggling to be fit for the start of the season after hurting his groin at Havant & Waterlooville on Saturday.