Walsall boss Darrell Clarke is keen to set high standards within the squad.
The Saddlers will be looking to bounce back from their defeat to Plymouth Argyle when they take on Grimsby Town at the Banks’s Stadium on Saturday.
Despite the scoreline at Home Park looking a little harsh on Walsall on the balance of play, Clarke revealed he hasn’t gone easy on his players.
“I wasn’t happy,” said Clarke.
“The fans travelled a long way but it’s not about lifting players all the time, it’s about setting standards.
“We weren’t clinical with the ball. Momentum swings in games, and we didn’t make the most of the opportunities.
“I’m hard on my players and I’m not going to keep saying to them they are a new group.
“They are, but the standards are set high, they always will be from me.
“I will be looking for a much improved performances and results in the next block of five games.”
Clarke is expecting a confident Grimsby side to arrive at the Banks’s Stadium this weekend.
The Mariners beat Port Vale 5-2 in their previous game and the Walsall chief insists his team are ready for the challenge.
“We did our five game block and had a meeting with the players where we went through the bits and pieces, the obvious things where we need to improve,” explained Clarke.
“But it’s not just about our final third play, it’s about the build-up play – making sure that is spot on so we can create more opportunities for the strikers to score goals.
"That has been the main focus this week whilst also making sure we don’t forget the things we have done quite well.
“Grimsby have had a solid enough start. It is still very early days and teams are still working each other out.
“They will be pleased with the start they have had and they’ll be disappointed their game got abandoned in midweek.
“I’m sure they will come buoyed by their 5-2 win over Port Vale.
“Like every game in this division, you are going to have to earn the right to play.”