Donegal manager Jim McGuinness says early season form is likely to be up and down, but isn't feeling the pressure to earn promotion out of Division 2.
McGuinness’ competitive return to the Donegal hotseat began with a resounding 11-point victory over Cork reinforcing the notion that they one of the favourites to go up from the second tier.
At a windy MacCumhaill Park in Ballybofey, the hosts used the elements in their favour to build-up a nine-point lead at the interval. While the Rebels threatened a comeback after a Chris Og Jones goal, the hosts reaffirmed their supremacy to run out comfortable winners.
Reflecting on the victory, McGuinness stated that while it was pleasing to open with a win, there were elements he was less than happy with.
"We got a bit of a lesson out around the middle for periods in the first half with breaking ball, we got turned over a lot," he told RTÉ Sport.
"We got caught with unforced errors, people not making eye contact, people slipping the ball and nobody being there.
"There is an awful lot to work on, but you’d expect that the first day.
"The most important thing is their attitude and the desire to play for their county. They brought that in the second half."
After last year’s relegation and dismal showing in Ulster, McGuinness’ return to management has lifted spirits within the county and many are backing them for an immediate return to the top-flight and a possible dark horse in this year’s championship.
Does McGuinness feel pressure to start the season with league promotion?
"I don’t feel that pressure at all," he said.
"There is an awful lot going on. You are bring a backroom together, players together. There are so many of those lads I don’t know enough about yet.
"He has every one of them eating out of his hand... they're onlyg going one way."
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) January 28, 2024
Jim McGuinness might have Donegal right back in the mix in 2024.
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"We tried a lot of the younger lads in the McKenna Cup, we tried four of them today. They have done well for us.
"We know we need depth. You are trying to put a game plan together, build fitness, trying to prepare a team. There is so much going on this time of year, it can be very up and down.
"Today it worked well for us."
Cork manager John Cleary admitted that his side were "outthought and outfought" on the day.
Eoghan McSweeney’s goal gave Cork some sort of foothold in the game as they played into the strong breeze, but still found themselves nine down at the interval.
"In fairness, they (Donegal) had 14 shots and scored 12 points in the first half. That’s fair shooting on any day, but particular in very difficult conditions," he said.
"Even at half-time I felt we were in with a reasonable chance, but at the start of the second half they pushed on. We got a goal to bring it back to six, but from then on, Donegal were completely on top and deserved their victory.
"In fairness, they had 14 shots and scored 12 points in the first half. That’s fair shooting on any day, but particular in very difficult conditions."
