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Sport

Ebbsfleet United manager Dennis Kutrieb told squad to enjoy title challenge two months ago

By: Matthew Panting mpanting@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 05:00, 07 April 2023

Ebbsfleet manager Dennis Kutrieb told his players to start enjoying their charge to the National League South title two months ago.

The Fleet, who can win the league at home to Oxford City on Good Friday (3pm), have pulled clear since regaining top spot in mid-January.

Ebbsfleet manager Dennis Kutrieb. Picture: Keith Gillard

Kutrieb was keen that his players savour their achievements along the way, even if he’s still finding plenty to worry about along the way.

“I told them two months ago that they should start to enjoy it, honestly,” revealed the Fleet boss.

“For me it’s different as we have to overview so many things so it’s always stressful. Even on Friday I’m not sure I can really enjoy it as we have to play on Monday again.

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“I’m enjoying the time as well but it’s a different kind of enjoyment, not the celebrating and partying and forget the rest type.

“It was definitely enjoyable to win last Saturday, it was a massive win for us. There were a few others as well, the Worthing win for us was another crucial one where I really enjoyed it.

“Sometimes there are games where you can enjoy it more and others where you enjoy it less because you are already focused or frustrated by something. It’s never the same picture so I enjoy it a little bit more or less.

“I think I’ll really enjoy it when I am on holiday and can switch off and relax, and enjoy what we have done. But that’s not happening on Friday or Monday or next week. It’s an enjoyable time for everyone at the moment and they should enjoy it as they deserve it.”

Ebbsfleet know a point at home to Oxford City will be enough to secure the title, and they could still end up celebrating even if they lose and Dartford fail to win at Eastbourne.

So how important is it for Kutrieb for Ebbsfleet to take care of matters themselves?

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“I couldn’t care less to be honest,” he insisted. “I don’t mind. You know me, I want to win every single game.

“But if it doesn’t happen and we still get promoted, I don’t care. However it happens, if that’s a defeat, a win or a draw, we just want to get the job done.

“As I’ve said from the beginning, we just need to take care of ourselves and if we do that then we have a good chance. That’s similar to Friday but now it’s not just a chance, it means that it is done.

“We just want to make sure we’re ready for Friday and try to put another good performance on and there’s no doubts about what is happening elsewhere.”

Kutrieb hopes getting the job done with four games to spare will mean his squad can really enjoy the last few weeks of the campaign, but that’s not to say they don’t want to focus on other records in the remaining games.

“We need to focus on this game and try to get the job done because everyone deserves to relax a little bit and be in the right moment to enjoy it,” he added.

“This doesn’t come every day, this is what I tried to explain to the boys. They should enjoy this time, it doesn’t happen very often that you are able to win a league.

“Even the other things that you are able to get 100 points or be top goalscorer in the league, all these things people should never forget because it can be a different way and Maidstone is a good example.

“They were celebrating winning the league one year ago and now they are back. So, enjoy the time and then be humble enough to go again.”

When Ebbsfleet do lift the title, it will be a fourth league success in just eight seasons of managing for Kutrieb.

“You always need to win the league in Germany, there’s nothing else possible,” he said.

“If you don’t win the league, then you can’t be promoted.

“It’s not easy to win a league, regardless of what league you are in, there are so many twists and turns. But the manner in which we are going is outstanding.

“I don’t think anyone would have thought on January 1 that we would have the chance to get promoted against Oxford with a 21-point lead at the moment.”

Ebbsfleet are away to Braintree on Easter Monday, kick-off 3pm.

If the Fleet do win the league on Good Friday, they will be presented with the trophy and their medals after the match - a surprise move from the league which would not normally happen until the final home game of the season.

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