‘You have the freedom to take risks, not be afraid of mistakes’

Interview

When new managers come in, they almost invariably make bold claims about the way they want their team to play – and it’s almost exclusively that they are going to play open, expansive, attacking football.

The notion plays well and can help set a narrative but, as the old military saying goes, no plan survives contact with the enemy. Often, managers and coaches begin their journey with a team intent on playing attractive stuff only to realise that they are not equipped, at either end of the pitch, with the personnel to do so.

In fairness to Cavan manager Ray Galligan, he has been seen extolling his players to go forward at every opportunity throughout the league and while it hasn’t always been pretty to watch, the intent has been there.

And against Monaghan, contrary to what has been written by at least one high-profile pundit, Cavan again looked to play adventurously. Witness how Gerry Smith engineered his goal through a packed Monaghan defence, Ciaran Brady’s long ball for Paddy Lynch’s goal, Lynch’s attempt to release Tiarnan Madden for another and Madden’s brother, Cian, dinking one left-footed effort over the top in a first-half attempt to pick the padlock.

For Cian, that  - being given free rein to try things – has been one of the most enjoyable parts of the season thus far.

“You have the freedom to take risks, not be reluctant to take risks and be afraid of making mistakes,” Madden said this week.

“I think that’s a great element that Stephen O’Neill has definitely brought that in, don’t be afraid to take a risk, don’t just try to find the safe pass, try to find the more difficult pass if it’s on.

“Obviously there is an element of playing safe but definitely, there is a bit more risk – high risk, high reward I suppose.

“And these games, I think, as well, you have to take risks, you’re against bigger teams, you definitely have to take risks to stay in the game, especially for goal chances – if you’re going for goals, you have to be clinical.

“It’s definitely something we’ve worked on over the last couple of weeks post-League.”

Madden was honest enough to admit that players, himself included, are human and if things are going well, they’re more inclined to be bold and try things.

“Absolutely, I’d consider myself a confidence player so if one goes right, I’m definitely going to try it the second time whereas if it doesn’t, you might be slightly more hesitant the second time.

“I love that element of having the freedom that if you make a mistake, you’re not looking over your shoulder at the sideline. I definitely enjoy that element, the high-risk, high-reward game definitely suits me for sure.”

Cavan’s poor finish to the National League has been well documented; three poor performances, one draw and two losses saw things end on a bum note after a great start in Division 2.

All changed utterly with the victory over Monaghan, however; there is a buzz in the squad now, Madden says.

“From the Meath game on, we weren’t happy with the performances and confidence was probably low in the camp so when you get a win in a game that, apart from ourselves, you weren’t really expected to win, you were definitely underdogs going into it, so to get a win like that, it definitely builds serious confidence in the team.

“Morale is very high in the last week or so and please God that is going to be a big factor now. Tyrone haven’t played a game in the championship and we have a game under our belt so confidence and morale are definitely high in the group.”

The Gowna man, who has played an integral role in the last two SFC-winning campaigns for his club, feels there is a lot of competition for places in attack with his brother Tiarnan one of maybe five attackers currently on the bench who are trying to force their way into the starting team.

“100pc, you’re always kind of looking over your shoulder because if you’re not performing or you’re not working hard, there is another boy who is mad to get in and get your jersey. Competition, I think, especially in training games, is what drives the thing on for sure.

“As someone who started last week, I know that lads who didn’t start are just chomping at the bit, ready to come in and take a place. You have to be always on your game and you relish that, especially around championship time, looking over your shoulder making sure that you’re prepared for each and every training session because management is always watching and you definitely have to be on your game to keep your place.”

As for Tyrone, Madden believes the 2021 All-Ireland champions are a leading side, with the medals to prove it.

“Sure look, they’re one of the top teams in the country, let’s make no mistake about that. I suppose McCurry and Canavan there are going to need serious watching. Midfield is a big strength of theirs as well, Niall Morgan is as good a keeper as there is in the country so they’ve a lot of quality all over the field.

“But I think if we set up well, if we stick to our game plan and if we’re in the game with 15 minutes to go, it’s going to put serious doubts in their heads.

“So please God we can kind of hammer the hammer as they say and put them on the back foot.

“Hopefully with a couple of minutes to go, we’re still in the game and I fully fancy our chances come that stage.”

Much was made of the poor attendance at the Monaghan game but Madden is hopeful of a far better turn-out this Sunday.

“To be honest with you, I was even saying it after the game, it’s something you don’t notice during the game, you’re kind of in the zone but after the game, I thought the Cavan crowd that was there was very loud. I thought Cavan possibly out-numbered Monaghan.

“I’d expect that in Breffni Park now, you’ve a win under your belt (the crowd will be bigger)… Do you know what, we probably didn’t do ourselves any favours, we were poor in the last two or three league games, the fact that it was on television was a factor, but I’d say that there is going to be a massive crowd in Breffni. I hope there will be a massive crowd because it definitely drives us on when you see a big crowd coming to see you.

“Please God we out-number Tyrone and that plays out on the field also…

“It’s going to be a good one, it’s a massive game for us, another top 10 team that we have to face and a massive opportunity to get to an Ulster semi-final. Preparations are going well so please God we can perform on the day and hopefully get a good result.”