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Mark McCall says everyone at Saracens is aware of the need to be patient in pursuit of answers over the club\u2019s long-term future.<\/p>\nMark McCall says everyone at Saracens is aware of the need to be patient in pursuit of answers over the club\u2019s long-term future.<\/p>\n
The Allianz Park side have appealed against a 35-point deduction in the Gallagher Premiership and a fine of more than \u00a35million for breaching salary cap rules for the last three seasons.<\/p>\n
While there remain plenty of questions, director of rugby McCall is determined to focus on on-field matters ahead of Sunday\u2019s Heineken Champions Cup opener at Racing 92.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cI do think we all understand that we need to be patient for those answers. Those answers don\u2019t just come in 24 hours and we understand that, so for now we just get on with the rugby.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe get on with preparing well, keeping the group together and that is what we plan to do.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am not saying it is easy or straightforward, but because we\u2019ve had a lot of cohesion at this club and continuity, there are some strong relationships and I believe that will see us through what will undoubtedly be a very challenging period.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 51-year-old admitted the biggest task facing him is keeping the squad united for the tests ahead, which could potentially include trying to avoid relegation.<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cI think that\u2019s my responsibility from the club, that\u2019s my clear direction from the club, and in the meantime the club will deal with everything else.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to carry on what we\u2019re doing at the training ground and that\u2019s to prepare for rugby matches and keep this brilliant group of players and brilliant staff as united as they can be.\u201d<\/p>\n
After winning the Premiership and Champions Cup last season, Saracens could be involved in a scrap to stay up this time around if they are deducted 35 points.<\/p>\n
But McCall defiantly insisted: \u201cA challenge is a challenge. It\u2019s a hell of a challenge \u2013 if the points deduction stays what it is \u2013 to try and avoid relegation, and it\u2019s a challenge we haven\u2019t had to experience before as a group.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is one which we will get our head around and relish if we have to do that, but we don\u2019t know that for definite yet.\u201d<\/p>\n
One issue McCall will welcome is the task of re-introducing those who played at the World Cup.<\/p>\n
Some have trained this week and he hinted a few could be involved at Racing this weekend, but England captain Owen Farrell is unlikely to be among them.<\/p>\n
\u201cOwen and I have had a long chat,\u201d McCall said. \u201cHe shouldered a lot of responsibility in that competition and I don\u2019t know what it\u2019s like to lose a World Cup final.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to give him as much time as he needs to come back and be fresh to play for us and to relish playing rugby again.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will make sensible decisions on an individual basis on what is right for the player and the club, but we\u2019ll be putting strong teams out every week.\u201d<\/p>\n