Mark Robins is aiming for a positive outcome against Norwich City this weekend before the international break.
The Manager discussed the recent run against the Canaries, which he hopes to reverse when they visit the Coventry Building Society Arena.
Last time out, Haji Wright scored late to earn the Sky Blues three points against Blackburn Rovers, giving them back-to-back Championship victories.
Robins spoke before of the game about facing Norwich as well as offering a fitness report…
Up against Norwich…
“Norwich is a team that we have not done particularly well against; in fact, we have been extremely poor against them.”
“I believe we only picked one point, and that was in COVID when there were no spectators, and we drew 1-1 at Carrow Road.”
“This is an opportunity without a shadow of a doubt, and they see it the same, so can we do better against them than we’ve done in recent games in recent seasons.”
What can we anticipate from Norwich…
“They’ve lost four games away from home in a row, including one at Fulham, and they’ll be disappointed in those games, but they’re a good side with a lot of good players.”
“There’s no doubt that things have changed a little bit, with Teemu Pukki leaving and some injuries.” Josh Sargent is hurt, and they’re missing some pretty talented players, but so is everyone else, and you’ve got to deal with that.
“Grant Hanley is another one, but they’ve signed experienced players who know their way around the league, they’ve played at higher levels, and they’ve got some real talent back in the squad.”
“We have to be at our best really to get something from the game and we might be our best and it still might not be quite enough, but my only concern is just making sure that we’ve got enough energy on the pitch at all times.”
Building on back-to-back victories…
“We’re all in the same league. We’re all attempting to do the same thing: we’re all attempting to rebuild and move on after what was an absolutely unbelievable season last season.
“We just have to work on that again, and like I said, we’re looking forward to the game.” There are no two ways about it.
“It’s one of those things where, if we can do better, we’ve just got to build on the performances that we’ve had, but if we can do better against them than we’ve done in the previous games that we played then that is a positive anyway.”
Haji Wright gains confidence following his Wednesday goal…
“Strikers are always self-assured players, and their goals are sometimes instinctive.” That was evident with Ellis against QPR on Saturday and Haji the other night; it was more than instinct.
“He was in the right place at the right time.” Yasin’s shot sort of rebounded off the custodian and up into the air, which meant he had to generate the force and timing himself.
“You can’t undervalue the technique; that’s all muscle memory, and he’s really good in air, which we have to remember.”
“It will definitely give him a boost.” That was evident in his joy at the end, and a late goal was crucial for us.”
Three games in a week and respect for travelling fans…
“It’s incredibly difficult. I believe we should look at Norwich; they’ve just returned from Swansea and will be back here a few days later, making it difficult for them.
“We got it at the beginning of the month when we were in Hull and then in Cardiff.” We understand how difficult that can be, but the fans must continue to travel.
I have the utmost regard for the fans that follow clubs around the country. It’s difficult and a huge commitment, and we fully respect that, which is why it’s fantastic that we’re followed in such large numbers, and the fact that they come and sing their hearts out, you want to give them something wonderful to sing about.”
An update on Liam Kelly…
“Well, he thinks it’s not a big deal. We’re merely treating the symptoms and waiting to see what happens, but I believe we’ll learn more in the following days.
“He’ll be here next week.” It will be evaluated on a regular basis to determine when he is ready to begin rebuilding it. But, in the first instance, I believe he is relieved that there isn’t anything severe.”
What is ahead for Fabio Tavares…
“Now he just needs to get in shape.” He still has work to do and targets to hit.
“As you can see, he’s out on the grass and running, and he still has to finish that.” So he’s still away, but he’s definitely out running on the grass.”
Callum’s next step…
“His next step will be training next week.” He’ll be performing some additional work.
“He’ll work hard, then take a break, then work hard, then take a break, and then he’ll be back in training the following week, into Bristol City, and from there, he could be close to a game.”
“But we’ve just got to see, like I say I’m not putting any deadlines on anybody like that, I think it’d be unfair.”
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