Mark Robins admitted that Coventry City’s first day defeat at Stoke is an “eye-opener” for his players, in particular his new signings.
Three summer arrivals – Oliver Dovin, Jack Rudoni and Ephron Mason-Clark – made their competitive debuts from the start while Brandon Thomas-Asante went on from the bench in the 1-0 loss at the bet365 Stadium where the Potters took the full three points courtesy of a second half goal from substitute Lewis Baker.
That was against the run of play as the Sky Blues looked far brighter than a poor first half when Stoke created a number of chances and went close to opening the scoring when they hit the post.
“We were better in the second half but we didn’t get to grips with it,” admitted the City manager, reflecting on the game. “We allowed them to build their momentum in the game and when we talk about bravery and courage, we didn’t show enough of that and weren’t in good enough positions to put them under pressure, and ended up thinking that sitting off them is the right way to go about it. And it wasn’t, so that’s what we spoke about at half time, trying to be a bit more aggressive and on the front foot.
“To be able to gain control in the game you have got to be willing to go and press and put them under pressure, and when you win the ball back you are in good positions, which is what we have always done. So then we started to play but there were too many long balls for me, too many back to front and trying to force things to get the edge, and that’s not what we do, so I just needed to remind them about that.
