Mark Hughes has called for his Bantams to make the most of a “huge opportunity” when Colchester United travel to a packed University of Bradford Stadium on Saturday.
The City chief admits City are at a point in their campaign where they have to “give everything”, and is reassured by a week of positive performances which saw them move back into the play-offs.
Hughes added that the quick turnover of games, and carrying the momentum and confidence, can benefit his side, and has full faith in his Bantams to take maximum points from the Essex outfit.
He said: “It is a huge opportunity on Saturday. We are at the part of the season now where we have to give everything.
“We have to empty our tanks and put 100 per-cent in. We will need everyone in order to do that.
“I am really pleased with what we are producing at the minute.
“We have got to go again. It is a case of ticking off games, and as long as we are preparing right, we can continue winning.
“The quick turnover of games help. When we have gone Saturday-Tuesday, we have done well this season.
“Our results have been impressive when we have a packed schedule, and we face that for the remainder of this month.
“We have got to maximise this momentum, because we are in a good place at the moment.”
The Welshman lauded his mature, solid defensive unit, and praised its ability to shut out opposition attacks from open play, but still notices room for improvement, particularly from set-pieces.
Hughes is excited at the prospect of what would be a third record-breaking fourth-tier attendance at the University of Bradford Stadium in 12 months. Over 19,000 tickets have already been sold, and Hughes calls on City to “make it a day to remember.”
“Defensively, some would argue, we are not as strong as we could be,” Hughes added.
“But, I think we are looking very strong.
“The stats show that. We have conceded 12 goals from open play this season - so to only let in that many goals across our 32 games is very impressive.
“That also highlights that we concede more goals from set-pieces, so we can aspire to change that.
“We have improved, with Sam Stubbs coming in with his vocality, leadership and organisation. He has helped the whole defensive unit to be a little more conservative.
“That has allowed us to be more creative going forward, too. We have the confidence that the defensive unit that will deal with danger.
“I have to say, I am looking forward to Saturday. A huge crowd is expected - over 19,000 as we speak - and it would be great to get to 20,000 and break the record again.
“Let’s make it a day to remember.”
To purchase your ticket for £5, and help us break out fourth-tier attendance record for the third time in 12 months, please CLICK HERE BY 11.59PM TONIGHT.