Valakari Discusses “Big Game,” Fearless Approach, and Focus Beyond League Standings

St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari addressed the media ahead of Saturday’s Premiership match against St Mirren. Below are the main points from the Perth-based manager. Valakari characterized the upcoming fixture as a “big game” against a “very interesting team” possessing “a clear identity of what they are trying to do”. Despite expressing satisfaction with his squad’s performance in last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Aberdeen, he noted that numerous aspects of their play could be enhanced. Regarding his squad’s mindset since assuming leadership, he stated: “From the very first day, we made a promise to each other that we go without fear.” Although St Johnstone has secured only one win in their previous six matches, their overall performances have shown improvement. However, Valakari emphasized that “it is all about getting these wins,” further explaining that maintaining high performance levels will significantly boost their prospects. The Finnish manager acknowledged that every player and manager aspires to a top-six finish, but he personally does not “spend one minute” analyzing league table permutations, asserting that “we only concentrate on the concrete things that we can do”. No new fitness concerns have emerged. Bozo Mikulic and Andre Raymond are set to return from injury.