Dorian Dervite believes the calmness new Charlton manager Jose Riga brings to the club will stands them in good stead as they bid to avoid relegation.
Dervite scored an injury-time winner against Bournemouth on Tuesday evening as Charlton overcame Eddie Howe’s side 1-0.
It was Riga’s first win as Charlton manager after consecutive 0-0 draws with Huddersfield and Milwall and the result lifted the Addicks out of the relegation zone at the expense of Millwall.
Dervite has started every game under Riga and believes the new boss is the perfect addition to Charlton in their battle to beat the drop.
The Addicks defender said: “He has brought some calmness to the club and he has given us a lot of confidence.
“Everyone was a bit down and we weren’t having that much luck before he came in but he told us we should believe in ourselves more.
“He doesn’t talk a lot but when he does he is very clear what he wants and he is very happy at the moment.”
Dertvite added: “He really likes offensive play and he tells us to have more confidence when we play.
“He always tells us to keep passing and if you make a mistake then it’s OK, you just have to be ready to correct it and keep looking forward.”
The win against Bournemouth was the Addicks’ first since Boxing Day in the league meaning they now sit above 22nd-placed Millwall on goal difference with three games in hand on their old rivals.
Dervite said: “It was very important because it was the first win with the new manager, we got a clean sheet and obviously it’s a bonus for me that I scored the winning goal.
“It is massive to see ourselves out of the relegation zone but we have to keep fighting.
“We have still got games in hand, so if we get some good results I am sure we will be fine.
“I am very happy – everyone is happy in the changing room.”
Dervite also revealed he had spoken before the game to former Charlton favourite Yann Kermorgant, who was controversially sold to Bournemouth on deadline day.
The striker was welcomed back to The Valley with applause by Addicks fans when he came off the bench in the second half and Dervite was far from surprised by the crowd reaction.
“We knew Yann would get a good reception here because he has been a top player for this club,” said Dervite.
“I spoke to him before the game and he says he is happy at Bornemouth, so I and the team wish him all the best for the rest of the season.”
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