Ian Evatt has pointed the finger firmly inward after a testing run of results for Blackpool, telling BBC Radio Lancashire that the problems have been "self-inflicted" and that the squad must do better when matches turn physical.

Evatt names the problem

The Blackpool head coach was speaking in a short interview recorded on 12 September and broadcast on BBC Sounds. His message was blunt: the side has not coped well enough with the physicality that League One opponents regularly bring, and that failing is costing them points they should be keeping.

"I think it was self-inflicted," Evatt said, a phrase that carries weight coming from a manager who has rarely shied away from demanding more from his players.

The candid assessment arrives at a moment when Blackpool are already navigating an injury list that Evatt acknowledged last week. Physical battles in the third tier grind teams down across a long campaign, and the manager's concern appears to be that his side are compounding the problem through their own errors rather than simply being outmatched.

Context around the comments

Blackpool's recent schedule has been unforgiving. They were beaten by Barnsley, with Stendel crediting his side's mentality for overcoming the Seasiders, and a match against Reading also drew criticism from Evatt, who said his players "weren't themselves." Those results have dented what should be a promising League One campaign.

The squad has also had to absorb personnel changes. Kouassi departed for Colchester, thinning the options in certain areas, and Evatt is working with a group that contains several players who are still recovering from knocks. A recent break in fixtures was welcomed by the manager precisely because it gave the injured time to return to full fitness.

There have been bright moments too. A 4-0 victory saw Ryan Yates mark his return with a goal, showing that quality is in the building. The Bromley draw in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy came with positive individual performances, including praise from goalkeeper Peacock-Farrell for the team's energy levels. But cup results and training-ground morale count for nothing if the league form does not improve.

What Evatt wants to see

The manager's language suggests this is a mental and tactical challenge as much as a physical one. Third-tier matches routinely feature sides who press hard, win second balls and test temperaments across 90 minutes. Evatt appears to be demanding that his players match that aggression rather than be rattled by it.

Addressing physicality in League One is not optional. The division's bottom and mid-table clubs frequently set up to make life uncomfortable for technically better sides, and Blackpool, with their emphasis on a high-energy, structured style, have to be able to absorb that pressure without unravelling.

Evatt has shown he is willing to name the issue publicly rather than deflect blame. That transparency can be galvanising for a dressing room, but only if it is followed by a response on the pitch. The Seasiders' supporters will want to see that response sooner rather than later as the League One table continues to take shape.

Whether the next fixture brings a chance to demonstrate that improvement remains to be confirmed, but the message from the manager is clear: Blackpool need to be tougher, and they need to start with themselves.

Frequently asked

What did Ian Evatt say about Blackpool's recent performances?
Evatt described the problems as self-inflicted, saying Blackpool need to be better at dealing with the physicality of opposing teams in League One.
Why have Blackpool been struggling in League One?
According to manager Ian Evatt, the side have not handled physical challenges from opponents well enough, which he believes has cost them points they should have taken.
How is Ian Evatt responding to Blackpool's difficult run of results?
Evatt has been direct in his public comments, placing responsibility on his players to improve their response to physical pressure rather than blaming external factors.