Graham Alexander is preparing to take his Bantams on the road for the first time as City manager, with eyes on three points in Saturday's lunchtime clash with Notts County.
Having already managed against the Magpies once this campaign, as MK Dons boss, Alexander believes this knowledge will aid his side in the build-up to the clash, but insists his Bantams have to adopt the correct mindset in order to walk out of Nottingham with three points.
The 52-year-old is beginning to implement his managerial style at the University of Bradford Stadium, and is pleased with the work he has seen in training with regards to the players creating more chances and taking more risks.
He said: “It does aid us that I have managed against them this season. There is a bit of information that will be pertinent for us on Saturday.
“Like I said before the Barrow game, though, I have a completely new group of players and formations.
“I have kept an eye on Notts County over the last few years - just looking how they operate and what principles they have at the club.
“I always believe, though, that if we can do everything right, we can win the game.
“If everything from our attacking play to defending is spot on, there should be no reason we walk out of Saturday without three points.
“I do see goals in this team. We need that mentality to score straight away. Not in terms of desperation, but just adopting that mindset of always wanting to score.
“For me, it all starts in the mind, but there are goalscorers in this team.
“We need to work on these things. The players are not going to be perfect.
“I am starting to instil a mentality where the players can take risks.
“Every player loves to score, it is just about instilling that mindset. we will get there.”
The City boss has used the free week to assess the Barrow defeat, and how his players “are taking it on board” into the weekend’s trip to Meadow Lane.
Alexander discussed the attention surrounding the encounter, live on Sky Sports, but wants to see focus and determination from his team, “to put all the excitement to one side.”
“We have used the week to analyse last weekend’s game, especially the second half,” Alexander added.
“When looking at the first half, we had little energy and it was very slow. Admittedly, it was difficult, as we conceded after 24 seconds.
“The players are taking it on board, though. We are looking to take it to Nottingham on Saturday and winning.
“Playing on Sky Sports, it can definitely add to the excitement. Every player who is young and growing up, you always think of big crowds and TV cameras.
“You have to focus, though. If you are just going to show up for the cameras, then that is no use to us.
“I want to see the same effort on Saturday as I do in training. Once that whistle goes, the players need to be focused and concentrated.
“If we can do that, it will stand us in good stead to get the three points.”
To secure tickets for the encounter, with over 2,000 Bantams already set to make the trip, please CLICK HERE.
