Karl Robinson: I want my players to feel the same desire as the fans

The spotlight was shed on a resilient Oxford United side and their manager Karl Robinson as they were able to get a point from a challenging game against Portsmouth that ended in a 1-1 all draw.

The passion and determination of the Yellows was diffused from the dugout to the players. Robinson reflected on the intense 90 minutes, saying, ‘’I want my players to feel the pain of the fans that are watching, to feel that same desire.’’

A 19th-minute header came from Raggett after a precise Ronan Curtis cross came from the left side came his way. The effort would be, however, canceled with just over 20 minutes left on the clock, as Dan Aguyei was fouled in the box.  Gorrin stepped up and sent the ‘keeper the wrong way, burying it in the left-hand side of the goal.

Yet another even result between the two sides making it the fifth consecutive instance. The most recent one being at the semi-finals of the League One playoffs last summer, which saw United progress to the final before losing to Wycombe  Wanderers.

Robinson had made six changes to the starting lineup compared to their away victory at Wigan on the weekend. Meaning that star players would have to be on the bench, the switches were understandable and perhaps expected as the U boss kept one eye on the derby against Swindon on Saturday.

Nonetheless, the likes of Matt Taylor and Marcus McGuane had to watch a good part of the game from the bench.

Once again, not much was expected from the Yellows as they were hosted by a Portsmouth side that has only lost three games from the start of the campaign. Not to mention, they possess the league’s most lethal striker in John Marquis with nine goals, four of which came in his previous three fixtures ahead of the United clash.

Linked with a brilliant connection with side midfielders Marcus Harness and Ronan Curtis who were involved in 15 out of the 26 goals Pompey scored this season, a little bit more of math would show that the trio played a part in every single goal their side celebrated so far as Marquis has two assists to his name as well.

However, the visitors were a bit lucky as Marquis and Curtis each missed a serious chance but the credit has to go to Oxford’s mental side installed in them by their manager who kept the scorers quiet enough.

‘’Listen, I am really pleased with just getting a point here, this is a really difficult place to come and play in, for us to go away with one point is always very pleasing’’ Robinson told Prost International after the game.”

The second half saw his men improved their performance, probably thanks to an inspiring dressing room talk.

Moreover, the last 30 minutes showed the genius and heart of Robinson as he made three substitutions, bringing in McGuane, Jordan Obita and Mark Sykes, a decision that went on to boost their game.

McGuane was the first to cause problems as he cut inside and attempted a curled shot destined for the far post only for ‘keeper Craig MacGillivray to stretch out and change its direction.

Unlike Kenny Jackett the Portsmouth gaffer who isn’t ‘’emotionally invested’’ as a supporter once described him, Robinson was the loudest person in the stadium. It was perhaps the only positive take from an empty ground, the 40-year-old could be properly heard every time he shouted words of encouragement or instructions.

When I asked him about how vocal he was during the game and how important it was in the last third of the contest, he said:

‘’I love football, I love winning and I hate loosing.”

With a smile on his face he continued:

”My wife gets embarrassed by it, my daughter gets embarrassed by it” He said jokingly about his performance from the dugout.

”But I love working with Oxford United, I want my players to feel the pain of the fans that are watching, to feel that same desire. If I offended anybody I am apologising, but I love my job and wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.

‘’Spirit is important in life, spirit and belief is the stuff managers try to find.’’

It was not long before United then equalised Gorrin’s penalty found the net, making it the Spaniard’s first league goal for the club.

The 20 minutes that followed proved crucial for the visitors as Robinson kept motivating his players, inspiring them to stay focused and fight as they went home with the point.

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