Stags' left-back Mal Benning has cited David Flitcroft's 'work ethic' in training as the reason for his improved fitness levels.
Statistics show that Benning has been running a kilometre more than usual in recent games, and the defender says it is due to the increased intensity that the Stags' boss brings to training.
"It's been an up and down season really, but I'm looking to finish it off strongly on Saturday. I've enjoyed the challenge," he said.
"We've done a lot of crossing and finishing in training since the gaffer has come in. He's been very good with that. As you can tell in matches my crossing has got better.
"The more running you do, the more that transfers on to matchday, and that's why my stats are showing that I run a kilometre more. It's all down to training and the gaffer's work ethic."
"The gaffer's work ethic in training [allows me to run more]. The tempo in training has gone up a notch and obviously the harder you work in training the fitter you get.
"The more running you do, the more that transfers on to matchday, and that's why my stats are showing that I run a kilometre more. It's all down to training and the gaffer's work ethic."
Benning also added that this weekend's huge final day game against Crawley Town is the biggest of his career.
"100% [it's the biggest game of my career]. I'm quite looking forward to it to be honest," he added.
"If it comes to the case where Coventry are losing and we win 1-0 in the 90th minute it would be a great feeling. I've gone through all the scenarios in my head!
"I think the gaffer and the bench will have a good clue about what's going on elsewhere in the other games. As long as we do our jobs, everything else will take care of itself.
"We need to win. Our mindset is that we're going to go into the game trying to win. That's what everyone is preparing for.
"As long as we go into the game thinking we need a win and everything is prepared right we'll be fine. We'll stay calm and not get too worked up over it. We know what's needed so we'll prepare right and hopefully get the win."
The defender also added that he has relived the moment he scored the winning goal against Chesterfield several times, saying it is his best memory in a Stags' shirt.
"I've watched it [the goal vs Chesterfield] quite a few times to be honest! In the first week or so I watched it back, but it's gone now, I've put it to the back of my mind.
"It's a good feeling to have and when I do watch it back it brings back good memories.
"I think it's one of the best moments of my time at Mansfield to be honest. Me and Pearce have been here for three years now and we've spoke about all the memories and I think that's number one."
iFollow Stags subscribers can watch Mal Benning's answers in full by logging into mansfieldtown.net/ifollow later today.
