Mick McCarthy dismissed suggestions that today’s game against Burnley is a must-win fixture for his bottom-of-the-table Town side, unlike Blues midfielder or striker Daryl Murphy.

The 53-year-old says a must-win mentality adds unneeded extra pressure: “All it does is heap pressure on everybody.

“What happens if we lose to Burnley? The fans will be unhappy, I’ll be unhappy, you [the media] will all be giving out large portions.

“What happens if we then win the next five games on the bounce? Everyone will be happy.

“We’ve got to try and relax and not have that ‘must-win’ mentality. Everyone wants to win, we’re set up to win.

“Players want to win every week, I want to win every week, fans want to win every week, but just saying it doesn’t make it happen.”

He added: “We haven’t got to beat them, but it would be a good place to start. We’re needing points.

“It’s a home game and home territory has got to count. If we can get a win it’ll be a lot easier to work [with the players in training] next week.”

McCarthy says he’s looking forward to taking control of the Blues at Portman Road for the first time this afternoon: “You always hope you get a good reception. If you get a bad one [at your first game], you’re in serious trouble!”

Photo: Action Images

Blue_Dwarf added 06:51 - Nov 10 Well said Mick. Here's hoping 3 points at PR today
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shamboy added 07:32 - Nov 10 I am beginning to love Uncle Mick's homespun philosophy
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mrivancampo added 08:25 - Nov 10 Hmm, is he joking? Of course it's a must win game! Do like his mentality. Mm needs to be looking for some loan targets ASAP, we need some experienced Players like when we had bowyer etc, hardened campaigners. I for one would love to see Bullard back in a town shirt. We have to face up to the fact that all our youngsters are just not up to it.
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MajorBlue added 08:29 - Nov 10 Of course he feels its a must win but he wont say that as puts pressure on players. Like the way Mick thinks and works and lays his cards on the table with everyone.
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tractor57 added 09:08 - Nov 10 Ok.. We have enough loan players I think.. Bullards retired cos he's not up to it.. D'uh! I agree with Mcarthys philosophy. Coyb !!!!!!!!
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tractor57 added 09:08 - Nov 10 Ok.. We have enough loan players I think.. Bullards retired cos he's not up to it.. D'uh! I agree with Mcarthys philosophy. Coyb !!!!!!!!
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Edmunds5 added 09:57 - Nov 10 Agree again with Mick, it isn't a must win, despite the league being inconsistent any team is capable of going on a run. Palace started slowly but have been on an excellent run, Blackpool started really well and then went downhill quite quickly. We have been on a terrible run but that has the potential to change with MIcks arrival and a new sense of optomism. plus we dont have to go on a run like Palace who went from about 23rd to top 2 in the space of 8 or 9 games. We just have to stay in the League and even with the current ration under Mick of winning 1-0 then losing 5-0 we would still do more than enough to stay in the division.

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SouperJim added 10:46 - Nov 10 Really looking forward to the game today, I think the team will get a fantastic reception and if we start the game in the right way the place could be leaping for the first time in ages. Big nosed Mick's barmy army!
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