VIDEO: 'Focus' is the key for Sheffield Wednesday as Carlos Carvalhal concentrates the minds ahead of play-off semi-final

To say that Carlos Carvalhal's mind is engulfed only by how he can mastermind a victory, or at least a positive result, against Huddersfield Town tomorrow is a massive understatement.

Backing that up, as he met with the media at the rather unusual time of 10am on a Saturday morning, the Sheffield Wednesday head coach said 'focus' or 'focused' no less than 18 times during the 12 minutes or so in front of the press pack.

Carvalhal is not allowing anything to distract him from the task at hand.

There are no nostalgic trips down memory lane to last season's successes home and away against Brighton at this stage of the competition. No recollections of the stunning atmosphere generated that glorious night at Hillsborough which was only usurped by the incredible noise of Owls fans who headed to Wembley in their droves. No harking back to the pain felt as players lay on the turf following defeat to Hull City.

He's not even looking at the second leg which takes place at home this coming Wednesday. There are no avoidable distractions. Everything is geared towards just one match, with all the emphasis on preparing the team to face David Wagner's side at the John Smith's Stadium.

Carvalhal didn't give much away, though he rarely does, and the quirky anecdotes or analogies about fish and potatoes or meat on the fire or deciding which suit to wear were conspicuous by the absence.

To use one of his past-used phrases in a slightly different way, Carvalhal closed the doors and the windows and didn't let in any light.

What we found was a coach projecting nothing but a steely determination to ensure that the hard work he and his team put in this season bears fruit.

And if we are to read between the lines and analyse the workings of Carvalhal's mind going into this game then, the other running theme of the day involved a constant describing of his team as 'workers'.

The Portuguese didn't come out and say it clearly, but there is a suggestion that he believes this might not necessarily be the day for his flair players. This, like on many occasions this season, is where the grafters shine.

"We are workers, we go there to work a lot, to be focused, to run and fight a lot," he said. "We will be ready for the game, understanding we respect them and know they are a threat, it is not an easy team to play against. But we also know that when we play solid and compact we are not an easy team to play against also."

Tomorrow may not be pretty but the focus is there, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that Hillsborough will once again bear witness to an historic, memorable night in four days time.