Oxford United boss Karl Robinson out to improve on Lincoln loss

Oxford United were slow out of the blocks and went on to lose 2-0, in their first Sky Bet League One away defeat since September.

The U’s have to put that behind them as they prepare for another big game on the road this weekend against promotion rivals Wycombe Wanderers.

United will make late decisions on the fitness of Jordan Thorniley and Cameron Brannagan, who has another scan on his hamstring today, while Dan Agyei is back in training after recovering from Covid.

Reports: Huddersfield among a number of clubs interested in Mark Sykes

Robinson suggested his approach to the clash at Adams Park will be partly informed by what went wrong Lincoln.

“I was poor in the Lincoln game, I think I let my players down with one or two things beforehand,” the U’s head coach said.

“Sometimes when I show a sense of calm it’s needed, but in some games it isn’t. I never got the moment right.

“It’s important for a manager that you get the team-talk right, the build-up right, and your emotions on the sidelines.

“Don’t think what I do is off the cuff, elements of what I do are incredibly controlled.

“They needed a more aggressive me, a more animated me in that first half.

“Sometimes they need me to be less animated and maybe this Saturday’s that one, because the game does that for them.”

Read also: Herbie Kane misses next three matches after Lincoln red card

Robinson believes this self-reflection can help himself and United move forward, as they continue to target promotion from Sky Bet League One.

“Serenity and vulnerability are my two favourite words at the moment, because you can really find the core of who you are,” he added.

“To allow yourself to be vulnerable in a critical world is hard, but that’s when you show the biggest signs of improvement.

“I learnt more about me on Saturday than I’ve learnt for a long time and I think the players learnt more about me on the Monday morning, that I self-analyse as well as analyse them.”