Okocha Tips Wanderers To Bounce Back

Last updated : 20 October 2003 By Mark Heys
Bolton Wanderers captain Jay-Jay Okocha has tipped the club to bounce back after their 6-2 mauling by local rivals Manchester City at the weekend and also admitted he is yet to find the form which made him a prominent figure in the Wanderers team last season.

The 30-year old Nigerian International has said that he was disappointed that the team just gave up once Sylvain Distin had scored City's second goal and the fighting spirit was just not there for the rest of the game.

"It was disappointing that we gave up when we conceded the second goal. We didn't show the fighting spirit to see the game through and thats why we lost heavily." he said

"I think its just one of those games. We recovered well from the away defeats we suffered earlier in the season. I think on Saturday we played to a certain stage but im disappointed we couldn't convert our chances" added the former PSG player.

Okocha also admitted he hasn't rediscovered the form which made his one of the Premiership's best stars of last season but points out it is now focused on team effort rather than individual performances

"I admit I am not at my best yet. I haven't scored but my main concern is for us to do well as a team not by my own individual performance. I dont mind doing dirty jobs for others for us to get points, if we do well as a team then automatically, i will say i have done well"

"I am not used to losing like this and I never want to get used to it. I beleive thats the mentality of the team as well."