Linfield need to put 'big boy trousers on' says David Healy as they aim to end run of three successive losses
David Healy says nobody understands the frustration more than him as Linfield aim to end a run of three successive Sports Direct Premiership defeats.
The Blues lost for the third time in a row for the first time since 2017 as they were beaten 3-1 by Coleraine on Tuesday night.
After a goalless first-half, Coleraine put the visitors to the sword as Joel Cooper, Jamie McGonigle and Will Patching all netted in a deserved success for the hosts.
The travelling support made their feelings known to Healy and the players after the full-time whistle as the Gibson Cup holders now find themselves 14 points behind leaders Larne – albeit having played a game less.
Expectation levels at Linfield is something which Healy has become accustomed to during his time in charge, and he says everyone involved need to put their “big boy trousers on” in a bid to get back to winning ways, starting with Saturday’s visit of Bangor.
“We're going through a tough spell at the minute and obviously it's well documented when you lose a game at Linfield that it's hugely disappointing,” he said.
"I get the frustration of the supporters, I get that probably more than they do who are venting the frustration. I get that because I hurt like them.
"I support the football club and I want us to be doing better. I said to the players, whether people like to hear this or not, that sometimes you have to endure a little bit of heartache, a little bit of pain along the way, along the journey, to get to where you really need to.
"It's always a little bit better when that happens. We'll look to react and respond in a positive manner.
"Again, you can quite easily take a battering from the inside and the outside at Linfield Football Club. I've been used to it, I've been in the trenches for long enough to understand the situation.
"If we don't win the game, we're desperate for a good performance and a positive result, which at the minute we're just not getting.”
The January transfer window has since opened and when quizzed if reinforcements will come through the door, Healy replied: “Probably looking more in-house in terms of what we have coming back.
"Of course as a manager we're looking. You're always looking for January windows, summer windows and potentially windows further down the line.
"We'll continue to do that if something becomes available that we feel will enhance the group, enhance the playing squad, what we have and we'll see what business can possibly be achieved."
Despite the gap widening to the teams above them in the Premiership, Healy says he was focused on the visit of Lee Feeney’s men rather than commenting if they are still in the title race.
"I'll worry about Bangor on Saturday,” he continued.
"Bangor are in the league and we'll concern ourselves with trying to win a game after losing three.”
Bangor were in action on Tuesday night as they picked up a 2-0 win at home to Ballymena United as Daniel Lafferty scored an own goal, with Lewis Francis also on the scoresheet.