IBOU Touray feels City are “privileged” to be involved in the high-pressure race for the play-offs.
The fourth-placed Bantams have it all to play for as they head to Barnsley tomorrow for the penultimate away game.
And experienced warrior Touray insists this is the time to find out who can keep their heads in such high stakes.
“The games now are very important but I feel it's a privilege and we've put ourselves in this position. If you can't handle that pressure, then it's probably not for you.
“I feel like everyone in this team is definitely ready for the challenge ahead. You just get your head down and focus but there’s definitely that extra happiness after the game when you win.”
Touray has bounced back from the bitter personal heartache of losing in last year’s play-offs on penalties. He was in the Stockport side beaten by Leyton Orient in a shoot-out.
And he suffered the same fate in 2023 playing for Salford against Stockport – with Antoni Sarcevic, now a City teammate, delivering the killer blow from the spot.
“It's probably the worst feeling in football, to be honest,” admitted Touray, who won automatic promotion with the Hatters from League Two in between. “I've lost two penalty shoot-outs now in play-offs.
“It's not a nice feeling but the only thing you can do is bounce back and try and go again.
“Obviously we’re not in there yet. We're literally just focusing on this game, try and get as many points as possible and give ourselves the best chance.”
Touray has learned to shut off the constant hype that surrounds the season at this tense stage. The defender is not one to be affected by all the hype.
“I don't find it too difficult. As a footballer, you just really have to try not to listen to the outside noise as much as you can.
“We’re in a good position and there’s obviously pressure coming with it. But you’ve got to be ready for that.
“It’s been unbelievable so far but obviously it's not over yet. We want to achieve something great and we're going to try our best to do that.
“Seeing the lads that we signed, the way the group was, the way we trained, the way we approached every day, I thought 100 per cent we have that sort of team, that sort of chemistry and way of creating that. If we come together, which we have done, we can achieve something.”
Midweek results have tightened the play-off picture and a sold-out away end at Oakwell will be hoping for a strong City response to nail down their own position. They still have a seven-point cushion inside the top six ahead of form team Luton with just the four games to go.
Touray, who has reverted to left wing-back with Tyreik Wright sidelined, added: “The Yorkshire derbies are always good, nice and fiery. We're definitely looking forward to it and hopefully we can pick up another good away win like we did last time out at Wycombe.
“It gives us a lot of confidence and belief when you see that many fans come to back you. It definitely spurs you on to go and try and win a game of football.”
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