The head coach of Perth is keeping a close eye on the free agency market, with Scandinavia possibly the most likely region to see a transfer window possibility after January.
But even if a good player (striker) catches his eye, he knows that there are inherent issues with signing someone at this late point in the season.
Recruiting eight players in January, Valakari remarked, “You always keep your eyes open.”
Barry Douglas and Bozo Mikulic were acquired from the free agent market, but it’s challenging to find the appropriate players at this point in the season.
You constantly check to see who is around.
Many players in Scandinavia are working out with teams and participating in preseason games in an attempt to sign a contract.
It’s possible that things won’t work out as planned for some of them. In the end, they might wish to try something different.
“It helps that those players have been training, but it’s really hard to sign players who haven’t done anything this season.”
Zach Mitchell, Valakari’s final January transfer window acquisition, could start Sunday’s match against Hearts.
During the recent loss to Kilmarnock, Valakari saw the on-loan Charlton Athletic defender as he came on as a second half replacement under trying circumstances.
Since joining, Zach has performed incredibly well,” the Finn remarked. I appreciate his zeal.
“I’m really considering giving him some playing time.
He is intelligent, a terrific player, and physically strong.
“Joining a team on the last day of the transfer window and joining at a time when there have been many changes is never easy.
He could have played more already, but he did great. Having him here makes me very pleased.
However, Valakari is only considering Sunday’s match against Hearts.
“We have three games coming up in six days,” he stated. Therefore, we must accept that.
“Let’s go out and play football; there is nothing to be afraid of.
“You have to take advantage of the opportunities that come your way during a season.
“You need to enjoy the pressure of being a football player, you need to feel it inside you and know what you are competing for.
People will be telling us it’s the week which will define our season and things like that – you’ll feel it from the fans as well.
“It’s our job as a team to concentrate on our performance, do better with the winning actions in the games and give ourselves a chance.
“As always, we will take it game by game. We focus on the Hearts match first then we will think about the Ross County one after that.
“Obviously, we may have a busy week, but we must maintain our composure.
“We approach the Ross County game as usual if we lose, and if we win on Sunday, we don’t get excited for the next game.
