DAVID Jeffrey has demanded a “clinical edge” from Linfield as they look to inject some impetus into their season.
The Blues have stuttered their way through seven opening fixtures in the Danske Bank Premiership – losing three in the process.
Saturday’s 2-1 reverse to Cliftonville also saw the champions lose back-to-back home fixtures.
In spite of their early-season malaise Linfield are only six points off the summit.
A run of form could see Jeffrey’s side return to a position fans have become accustomed to in recent years, but the Windsor Park boss insists his players have to earn the right to win games.
“I would like the clinical edge to come soon – that’s for sure,” Jeffrey said.
“There is no point going to Portadown and scoring four goals and then dominating against Cliftonville and losing.
“We didn’t test Cliftonville’s goalkeeper enough and then we concede two sloppy goals.
“You don’t get points for fancy play – you get them for results.
“So that is the lesson for the players. They have all admitted this isn’t good enough. They know it, I know it and the fans know it.”
Linfield’s striking options have been limited this season following injuries to Peter Thompson and Matthew Tipton.
But Jeffrey is refusing to let that deflect from the club’s poor start to the season.
“I could talk about the injuries that we have suffered recently – this is the worst I can remember for a while,” he added.
“But that is not an excuse.
“The simple fact is that we gave victory away on Saturday and that is beyond comprehension.
“Two simple mistakes cost us three points. It was schoolboy stuff and the players have to learn from it.
“It is still early days in the season and people sometimes jump the gun and press panic alarms.
“All we know is that we need to improve.”
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