Zian Flemming speaks out on Millwall’s play-off hopes

Millwall are currently only outside the Championship play-offs on goal difference and will remain optimistic about upsetting the odds to finish in the top six this term.

Gary Rowett continues to do a sensational job at The Den, and will be hoping to strengthen the squad further in the final two days of the transfer window.

Recruitment has been a big plus for the Lions over the last few seasons, hugely contributing to their progress in the second tier and landing Zian Flemming from Fortuna Sittard this summer might just be the pick of the bunch.

The Dutchman has adapted to life in the Championship very quickly and will be a key player if Millwall are to realise their top six aspirations.

Flemming explained his unique view on pressure towards the top end of the division when he spoke to NewsAtDen, quotes are provided by Southwark News.

He said: “I don’t feel any kind of pressure in a negative way.

“I’m mostly just excited for a game, wanting to win it, wanting to score.

“Then, if we succeed and I succeed, I’ll be happy.

“If not, I’ll be gutted.

“Luckily with the Championship there’s a game around the corner very quickly most of the time, so I focus on the next game.

“Maybe that’s what makes it a little bit easier, because the next game comes so quickly that you can already focus on it, and if you win that one then you make it up already.

“Everyone beats everyone, and if you get a few wins you immediately climb up the table.

“I don’t feel any negative pressure, just excitement.

“I played against relegation, especially last year, and that is pressure, that’s something completely different in my eyes.

“Obviously when the season gets further along, there are fewer games in hand and the top six will be in reach, that’s when every game counts and when the pressure will rise.

“It’s still different to when you play against relegation because it’s a negative, you’re trying to make sure that it doesn’t happen instead of trying to make something beautiful happen.

“That idea gives me joy instead of pressure.

“It’s something that you have to learn a little bit as well.

“As I got a little bit older and played more games at a professional level, I had to figure out what the best way was to do that.

“It’s easier said than done, but you have to go and enjoy it.

“Especially as an attacking midfielder or an attacking player, you’re on the pitch to make something happen and trying to be there for at least that one moment in the game that can make the difference.

“You’ve got to try something, because if you play not to make a mistake, you won’t make the difference for your team.”

This is a very interesting response from Flemming, and possibly a state of mind that not many players who have played in the EFL for a long period of time will have.

The Verdict

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A fascinating answer, making the point also about how it is more important for attacking players to enjoy the pressure because they are the ones capable of unlocking the door and producing memorable moments.

This is such a refreshing take on high pressure matches, that should be encouraged, because although the financial implications can be enormous, players are likely to perform to a greater standard in playing with more freedom and enjoyment.

Millwall will be happy to work extra hard in their defensive work to give Flemming that platform to express himself in the remainder of the season, and the Lions may be bracing themselves for summer interest should they not achieve promotion, due to the promise that the 24-year-old has shown since moving to South London.