Oxford United look to bounce back from defeat at AFC Wimbledon last weekend when they welcome Wycombe Wanderers to the Kassam Stadium.
“The rawness of a defeat hurts but you still have to look at the bigger picture and see what you can learn” Karl Robinson told iFollow today. ”It’s an unpredictable industry and you will lose games, whoever you are.
“We lost last weekend but in open play we were comfortable and it was set plays that hurt us. So we did most things right but we switched off at set pieces. That’s something we can learn from and know we have to be better. But the players know that, we have spoken about it and we have worked on it to improve that area and be better.
“We have an identity and a way of doing things and when you have that it helps you see the setbacks for what they actually are. We know there are aspects we can be better at and can change but we feel fresh and we are looking forward to the weekend.
“The fans clapped us off last Saturday and they will be there for us again on Saturday against a very good Wycombe side. What happened last time we met, in the play-off final, had an effect and left me as low as I have ever been as a Manager but that’s in the back of your mind the next time you play a team.
“We behaved with tremendous respect for our opponents that day, Wycombe know that: just like when we turned the music off in our dressing room after beating them when they were in the relegation zone. They know what type of club we are, they know we stayed and applauded their success at Wembley and that I went into their changing room after to congratulate them, but they will also know how much we want to win at the weekend
“Gareth is one of the nicest men you will meet but he is just as passionate as me and they have players I know really well who will want to get one over us. So we can’t say we have forgotten that game at Wembley but is has helped shape who we are and made us better for the experience. There is a healthy rivalry, which will mean a good atmosphere, which we are looking forward to.
“In terms of the team Marcus McGuane took a knock and will be three weeks more before he is back. It’s a different injury to before, a knock to the thigh. Sam has had a little knock today as well but Billy is back in training, Nathan is looking stronger each day, Gavin is back with us on Friday and will be fresh, as will the rest of the squad.”
It’s going to be a big day at the Kassam Stadium. CLICK HERE to book your place and get behind Karl and the team.
See the full interview, plus an exclusive with Cameron Brannagan and a full length Preview Show, all in iFollow right now.