Nelson Jardim believes improving Newport County’s defensive record will be easier than solving a struggling attack following his side’s impressive start to the campaign.
The Exiles sit 10th in League Two and are only four points adrift of leaders Walsall, having won five and lost five of their opening 10 league outings.
Newport have had no problem when it comes to creating chances and bulging the net, with only Walsall, Notts County and Chesterfield scoring more than the Exiles’ tally of 16 league goals so far this season.
However, Newport have conceded 20 goals – more than any other side in the division – at an average of two per game.
But Jardim is more than pleased with his side’s progress so far, after being tasked with bringing a more attack-minded approach to the club when he arrived in south Wales in the summer.
“The first quarter of the season, we’ve won five and lost five, we’re four points off the top. I think we can only be proud of what we have done so far, taking into account all of the changes with the players, myself and everything,” said Jardim.
“If that is the one detail [defensive record] that is not quite right, then I am happy about that, especially when you want to bring an attacking style of play.
“Now we know what we have to improve. We have to be more compact and more detailed about little things.
“I’ve always felt that it’s easier to improve defensively than attacking.”
The Newport boss added: “If we can improve 1% every day, which is a growing mindset that I want to have in this club from everyone.
“We know with this process, there’s ups and downs, we have to be ready for that.
“But as long as we keep growing, that’s the main thing.”
This afternoon (15:00 BST), Newport face a Harrogate Town side that shipped five goals in their most recent home league fixture against MK Dons.
The Sulphurites have also failed to score in their past two matches – against Crewe Alexandra and Swindon Town.