Mark Hughes anticipates a strong start on Saturday, as his Bantams kickstart their home 2023/24 campaign at the University of Bradford Stadium when Colchester United make the trip to West Yorkshire.
The City chief recognised the improvement in form at home last campaign, compared to years before, but admitted there is still work to do in making Valley Parade a formidable venue for opponents to visit.
“The aim is to always start off strongly in games and we will endeavour to do that on Saturday,” he said.
“Colchester will undoubtedly have a game plan as we expect them to try and nullify our attack.
“From our point of view, we are really keen to get off the mark in the league.
“We had more home wins last year than the year before - which is encouraging.
“We know the areas we went wrong in, though. We were not able to break teams down well enough and, at other times, we could have been more clinical in front of goal.
“Our away form was excellent though, and if we can translate that at home, and utilise the support we generate, we will go very close again - I am sure.”
The Welshman continued his appraisal of Tuesday night’s penalty shoot-out win against Accrington Stanley, and called for his side to replicate the intensity and energy levels against the U’s on Saturday.
Hughes is aiming “to put on a show” for the supporting Bantams at the weekend, admitting he is looking forward to showing the 15,000+ season ticket holders what his side can produce.
“I was really pleased with the overall performance (on Tuesday),” he lauded.
“The intensity and pressing was very good and that is what we are trying to create.
“We were better at the back and we stood up to difficult opponents.
“The energy and understanding of what we have been working on was very good, and we want to put it to the test on Saturday.
“We will assess Colchester’s game last night, but given it is our first league game at home, the advice I will give our players is simple.
“We are all looking forward to being back at Valley Parade. There is a big crowd awaiting us on Saturday, and having passed the 15,000 season ticket barrier, we need to put on a show for these fans.”
To secure your place at the game while saving on increased matchday admission prices, CLICK HERE by 11.59pm tomorrow.
