Forward discusses language barrier with Italian boss and his recent spell out of the O’s team
Ollie Palmer believes new Leyton Orient manager Alberto Cavasin is trying to give the club an identity, but knows results must improve quickly in League Two.
Since the Italian was appointed, the O’s have lost three out of three in all competitions and scored just once to drop down to 22nd in the table.
Palmer found the net on Saturday against Luton Town at Brisbane Road, however the east Londoners have now lost five league games at home already after the 2-1 defeat.
“We’ve got a translator who is very good at his job,” said the Orient forward when asked about how the language barrier has been for the players since Cavasin’s arrival.
“It might take a little bit more time in terms of getting the translation across, but we understand completely what he wants us to do and what we need to do.
“In that sense it is not too difficult, he has brought in a slightly different style of play because he wants us to play football. He wants us to get the ball down and to give us an identity.
“We’ve got to keep working hard, we’re only two league games into his reign, but we have to now start picking up our performances.”
Orient’s display on Saturday wasn’t too bad, but they were punished for failing to take their chances and for sloppy mistakes.
Palmer was guilty of wasting an excellent opening after 13 minutes when he headed Nicky Hunt’s cross wide when it looked easier for him to find the net.
The ex-Mansfield Town striker did eventually get on the scoresheet when he fired home Paul McCallum’s centre, but O’s were trailing by two goals at that point.
But the 24-year-old was pleased to show Cavasin what he can do after a frustrating month before the Italian was appointed.
After coming on at Carlisle United in the 51st minute on September 10, Palmer played just five minutes in League Two, before starting at home to Luton last weekend.
He added: “It has been very frustrating. It is one thing not even starting and another not getting off the bench and spending a month off the pitch really.
“It was really disappointing. I had five minutes at Barnet and got my first start in the EFL Trophy recently so it has been really frustrating I can’t lie.
“As a footballer you just want to play and the manager has put a lot of faith into me and let me step up for the free kick too.
“You’ve probably not seen me do that before, but I’ve been working on them and doing well in training. He has given me his backing which I’m glad to have and pleased to return it by scoring.”
Palmer dedicated his strike to his nine-year-old cousin Frankie, who has recently been diagnosed with cancer.
The goal should boost the belief of the O’s forward and given all of the squad a small reminder of what they are capable of.
Prior to Palmer’s strike, the last time Orient had found the net was on September 24 at Notts County.
“I think confidence is a big factor because when you’re on a winning run you are fearless and you get that luck and rub of the green,” he said.
“We’re not really getting that and we don’t deserve it because we’re not doing well enough on the pitch. We’ve just got to pull together now and turn it around.”
The last sentence is key. Orient have to halt this form quick or will face a relegation battle this season.
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