Dimitar Mitov feels Cambridge United is a currently an environment where players “can only get better” thanks to the drive and competition for places amongst the first team squad.
“It’s always good to have battle for places and competition, and I think that’s what makes us such a special team this year,” said the Bulgarian keeper.
“There are players that are ready to step in for every position on the pitch.
“Whoever the players in the starting eleven are, they have to perform to keep their shirts. That’s the same in goal for me and Callum. It’s a really good place to be then, because you can only get better.”
He continued: “It’s a special group of lads, we all get on really well. It’s a good, strong, tight-knit changing room. When we go out onto the pitch, we make sure we give our best for each other.
“We might not perform as well as we should from time to time, but we always know that we have to give it our best. The start to the season has been brilliant, but we know that’s not good enough, we’re not there yet, and we need to keep going.”
The U’s keeper played a crucial role in seeing out United’s last win on the road, with a string of excellent saves at Grimsby to ensure the three points returned to Cambridge. And with the U’s last four wins in League Two being 2-1, Mitov’s explains the importance of maintaining composure during the latter stages of close contests.
“The main thing for me, and with experience you learn it more, I always think to myself just stay as calm as possible and really trust your defenders to deal with situations. I feel like when you stay calm, that’s when you can be at your best and as keeper you’re most ready to make the saves.
“At Grimsby I managed to do that well. I stayed calm the whole way through the situation and I made a good save in the few minutes of the game. We pretty much won the three points because of that save and that’s really pleasing.
“But the whole team has stayed calm, the defenders have been brilliant at it.”
Cambridge United travel to Colchester United in Sky Bet League Two this weekend, with the Amber Army able to watch every kick live on iFollow by purchasing a match pass. Click here to buy now.