Nathan Jones has explained why he refuses to let expectation derail Charlton Athletic’s push for a top-six finish in League One – even as they close in on a first play-off appearance since 2020.
Jones, who took the reins earlier in the campaign, has revitalised Charlton’s fortunes with a steady rise up the table. Now fourth, the Addicks are firmly in the mix for the play-offs. But for the manager, the key to navigating the run-in is avoiding overloading his squad with what he calls “critical pressure.”
The South London club has been desperate to mount a serious promotion challenge since dropping to the third tier five years ago. With the fanbase growing hopeful, Jones has urged perspective.
“There is an element of pressure but it is a manageable one. There are certain pressures in your life where people feel the walls are caving in on them – that is real pressure in life. This is sporting pressure, to achieve something if you are good enough.”
One game at a time
Jones believes in controlling the controllables, choosing instead to focus on internal standards rather than external noise. He is adamant that the squad must avoid becoming fixated on the results of their rivals.
“We can only take one game as it comes,” he said. “We can’t affect anything that anyone else does, apart from our direct opponents.”
It’s a message that aligns with the manager’s broader footballing philosophy – rooted in discipline, structure and belief in the process. His managerial CV includes play-off success with Luton Town and top-half finishes in difficult jobs at Stoke City and Southampton. At Charlton, he is once again building a side capable of handling pressure – but not being consumed by it.
Jones also reflected on the constant presence of pressure in a footballing career. Whether trying to stay in the game as a player or facing the daily scrutiny of management, it is part and parcel of the sport.
“Everyone feels pressure. But it is about the language we use,” he explained. “It isn’t ‘we have to’… that just heaps more critical pressure on. It’s about reinforcing who we are and delivering that on the pitch.”
With six games left in the regular season, Charlton are among the favourites to make the play-offs. And while other clubs may buckle under the tension, Jones appears committed to shielding his players from panic.
Site opinion
Nathan Jones is treading a thoughtful line at Charlton – one that acknowledges the stakes without letting them dominate. His comments reveal a leader focused on mindset as much as tactics, a rare quality in the hurly-burly world of League One. In a campaign defined by pressure, Charlton may just benefit from a manager who sees it not as a threat, but an opportunity to stay calm and deliver when it matters most.
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