AdminOxford United’s first team coach, Craig Short, believes that the team’s new head coach, Gary Rowett, will demand a high level of resilience, fight, and togetherness from the squad. Rowett took over as head coach on Friday, replacing the sacked Des Buckingham, and watched from the stands as Oxford United lost 4-0 to Leeds United. Short, who led the team in the absence of Rowett, acknowledged that the team’s confidence is a major issue, and that it’s up to individual players to find a way to regain it.
Short emphasized that confidence is a crucial aspect of any sport, and that it’s not something that can be easily regained once it’s lost. He believes that the team’s senior players have a responsibility to help the younger players develop mechanisms to deal with confidence issues, and that the team needs to focus on being harder to beat and more aggressive in their play. Short also stressed that every player should be working hard, and that it’s not enough to simply say that the team has worked hard after a game.
The team’s performance against Leeds United was disappointing, particularly in the second half, where they conceded three goals in 16 minutes. Short acknowledged that there is a gulf in class between Oxford United and teams like Leeds, Middlesbrough, and Sheffield United, but believes that the team needs to focus on competing in the mini league at the bottom of the table. He emphasized that the team has two home games coming up, and that they need to respond positively to the new manager’s arrival.
Short also revealed that he had a frank conversation with the players after the game, telling them some “home truths” about their performance. He believes that the team needs to take responsibility for their own performance, and that there is no blame culture at the club. Short has worked with many of the players for a long time, and he’s disappointed that the team’s performance has cost someone their job. He’s looking forward to working with Rowett, who he believes will bring a new level of intensity and demand to the team.
Overall, Short’s comments suggest that Oxford United is at a crossroads, and that the team needs to regroup and refocus if they’re going to compete effectively in the league. The arrival of Gary Rowett as head coach brings a new level of expectation and demand, and the team will need to respond positively if they’re going to achieve their goals. With two home games coming up, the team has a chance to redeem themselves and show that they’re capable of competing at a higher level.
In terms of Rowett’s approach, Short believes that he will demand a high level of resilience, fight, and togetherness from the squad. Rowett has a reputation for being a demanding coach, and Short believes that he will bring a new level of intensity to the team’s training sessions and games. The team will need to be prepared to work hard and respond to Rowett’s demands if they’re going to succeed.
The team’s performance against Leeds United was a disappointment, but Short believes that it’s not a reflection of the team’s overall ability. He’s confident that the team has the talent and the potential to compete at a higher level, but they need to find a way to regain their confidence and start playing to their strengths. With Rowett at the helm, Short is hopeful that the team can turn things around and start competing more effectively in the league.
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