Oxford United head coach Gary Rowett is far from impressed with how his side have performed in recent weeks.
Speaking after his side’s defeat at West Brom, the U’s boss addressed his role as head coach and the recent dip in performances.
Read More: Team News, Form and Predicted Line-Up as Oxford United Travel to West Brom
‘I’m Not Happy’ – Gary Rowett Addresses Current Oxford United Status Ahead of International Break
What Was Said
Speaking to BBC Radio Oxford, Rowett said: “I’m not happy where we are and I accept that. I understand where we are in the Championship pecking order, but I also understand that my job is to get results and to make sure that, at the very least, we stay in this division at the moment.
“The results we’re getting are not quite good enough for that and I have to find a solution. Again, we’re missing players today and when we miss two or three players, it just feels like we just can’t quite change the direction of the game in certain ways.
“But, that’s my job. I have to do it; if I don’t do it very well, then you know it’s a Championship, and we know what happens, a lot of clubs up and down the country. I’m never shy away from that.”
Asked about why he had brought this up in a post-match interview, Rowett added: “Yeah, because no one’s asked me the question, which is fine. I understand that. And the fans have been brilliant. All I would say is I know my job.
“Just because we’re Oxford United, I don’t want to sit here and say, it’s okay to lose games and narrowly, and it’s all right and, you know, with our budget, should we even really be staying in the division? Well, yeah, because we did it last season.
“We want to do it again this season so I’m not happy with where we are at the moment. I’m not happy with the games that we’ve had so far. I’m not happy with a result. I’m not happy with the points.”
What To Take From Rowett’s Comments
His comments could be taken in one of a number of ways. First, as he said in his interview, he hasn’t been asked the question about his role yet he decided to bring it up. Could this be him itching for a move away?
Secondly, maybe it’s a reality check for him and his players as the performances, particularly in recent weeks, have been below par.
The U’s need to use this break to regroup and bounce back, like they did after the last break when they picked up seven points from four games.
Featured image courtesy of IMAGO / PPAUK
