Oxford United have plenty to play for this season, starting against AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday night. That’s the message from Karl Robinson despite defeat at home to Sunderland on Saturday.
“I thought we were fantastic, but we didn’t win” Karl told iFollow. “Sunderland had 90 seconds, then we had 90 minutes but I can’t ask for any more out of this group of players. We have nine games this month and they are giving me everything. In all my years of doing this I am probably the most content I have been that I am getting the maximum from everybody here. It’s the same every week and I can’t ask for much more.
“There is so much to play for and some big games coming up. For the big cup games the atmosphere on nights like that is very good in the stadium but for some of the games we have coming up we know we will have to create it ourselves. There is a curveball in every game but we are in such a good place. From an unstable place 18 months ago everyone here has done what has been asked of them. We have delivered a training ground, we have delivered stability and now we have to deliver success. We couldn’t have done what we have done this season last season because we didn’t have the training ground and it was one thing after another. We have really come of age since then.
“There is so much more football to play this season. I took stock at the weekend and thought to myself that this club needs to kick on now. I need more pressure on me to deliver. There was pressure in those first few months but this is honestly the best I have felt. I feel home. I don’t know why that is. Maybe it’s the fans: the criticism is fair but I also think they understand when I stick up for my players. I love this group and will always stick up for them because I need to get them to perform again. And on Tuesday night I know they will.
“The longer I do this job the more I realise that players need to feel happy and able to express themselves. That’s all I want on Tuesday, for the players to be free and to play with freedom and expression. I felt the frustration on Saturday but this is still a young team and I honestly can’t wait for the next game because I think we are all growing together and the football club is re-emerging, and that is something that means a lot to me.”
See much more of a characteristically honest interview with Karl in iFollow right now where Cameron Brannagan and Darren Purse join us for the Preview Show.
Tickets are vailable for Tuesday night online from oufctickets.co.uk and by phone from 01865 337533. Join us as Oxford face the Dons.