Nzuzi - We’ve got to pick it up again

Limerick defender Patrick Nzuzi says his side must not dwell on past performances and instead “pick it up again”, beginning with a trip to reigning champions Sligo Rovers on Saturday evening (kick-off 7.45pm).


The 20-year-old Congolese underage international missed last Friday’s FAI Cup defeat in Dundalk through suspension but he will return to the squad for the difficult journey north this weekend.


And despite the size of the task facing his side, Nzuzi, who has made 17 appearances in all competitions this term, is remaining positive as the Superblues look to arrest a run of three successive losses.
 

“It was frustrating being out last week and watching the lads struggle, especially with it being a cup tie too,” Patrick said. “But I’m happy to be back.


“I think we’re all disappointed in general with the recent performances, but we’ve got to pick it up and get going again. We can’t dwell on past performances – we want to pick it up from today and get things right.”


Nzuzi knows the team must improve particularly in defence, with 11 goals leaked in the last three games, although he has been content with his own form.


“That’s the key,” he said about the backline. “It’s an area we all know we need to improve in and stop giving sloppy goals away. But we all recognise that and know we have to work towards it.


“Personally, I’m happy with my own form and the way things are going.


“Collectively, after a good start to the season, we’ve had a run where we’ve lost a few games, but we’ve got to pick it up again. Overall, though, I think we’ve done well.”


Nzuzi also stated that the mood around the camp remains upbeat despite their recent results where they have fallen to league defeats by Drogheda United and Cork City, and dropped to eighth in the table.




“It’s still bubbly,” he said. “It will never change. We’re all together and we all look to improve each other, help each other and learn from each other.


“We’re looking to pick each other up again.”

 

Looking ahead to Saturday’s game in Sligo, Patrick added: “Since they won the league last year, they’ve been regarded as the best team.
 

“Personally, for me, I like going up there. It’s going to be a tough game but they like to play football, which we like, so we’ll give it a good run.
 

“We went 1-0 up there the last time and we looked comfortable, really, and then they got a goal before half-time which kind of killed us.
 



“I think we’ll do well against them. We tend to play good against the better teams – no disrespect to other teams – but we play better against the top-half teams. I’m looking forward to it.”
 

Despite losing four of their last five Premier Division games, Limerick are just a point off sixth place. And Nzuzi agreed that that is the target now for his side, though he was keen not to look beyond the next game.
 

“We always aim high,” he said. “We go into every game looking for the win and that’s the main objective, and wherever that takes us it takes us.”


The former Newcastle United youngster arrived in the Munster city this season and says he would like a long-term stay at the club.
 

“It’s something I’ve thought about,” he said. “That’s down to the Gaffer and the club, but I’m enjoying my time here so far.
 

“I like Limerick. It’s good. The people are nice and the fans are good. It’s a nice place and I’m happy at the club.”
 

Nzuzi is also delighted when home games come around.


“It’s a beautiful stadium,” he said about Thomond Park. “Right now, the grass is perfect which is amazing to play on, and I look forward to every home game.


“And I’ll say it again but the fans are amazing. It’s a pleasure.”

 

    About Keith Wallace

    View Full Profile