Head of Academy disappointed to lose but says Latics gave him everything in defeat to Oxford United.

Gregor Rioch | “We wanted commitment, aggression and determination and we got that”
Head of Academy acknowledges disappointment of defeat but wants to build positive energy for the players ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Bristol Rovers
Rioch: “The players have shown an incredible attitude this week towards training, towards the circumstances, towards the staff and to each other.”

Wigan Athletic Head of Academy Gregor Rioch says Latics gave a performance full of commitment, aggression and determination as he took charge of the side in the absence of Leam Richardson on Saturday afternoon.

Rioch acknowledged his disappointment in the result as Latics lost 2-1 to Oxford United but added that he was pleased with his side competed over the course of the game.

“We knew playing against Karl Robinson’s side we would be up against it, he is an experienced manager and has a good team,” Rioch explained. “We knew after a defeat to Crewe in midweek we were going to come up against a baptism of fire. So we met fire with fire and what we asked from the players was to give us full commitment, be aggressive, give us full determination, and bring what they showed us in the training ground during the week to the DW Stadium. I can’t fault them for the effort and commitment throughout the full 97 minutes.

“We ask them to be competitive. You can be too open sometimes in games when you’re having a tough time gaining results. At 0-0 at half time I thought we were very much in the game, though, Jamie Jones has made some terrific saves throughout the game. I thought we might be able to grind a result out whether a draw or a win.

“When we were out of possession, I thought the determination and aggression we got right and maybe we could do a little bit better and be a bit more composed and display a bit more courage in possession, but certainly the courage out of possession from the players was excellent today.

“We know the manner of the goals over a period of time always look a lot worse when we are in the position of the table that we are. I’m sure as we work over time as a unit, departments and back four work we can eradicate some of the goals that we have been conceding.

“What really pleased me when their second goal went in was that the lads never gave up, they never put their heads down, they kept going and had a lot of respect for themselves and each other and getting the goal back was a bit of a lift and some belief but it just wasn’t to be to gain a result.”

That goal came from academy graduate Thelo Aasgaard, with the young Norway youth international scoring his first league goal after coming on from the bench, which was a proud moment for Gregor and the staff at the academy.

“I’m hurting inside with the result but I’m delighted with the performance and the players, you look at young Thelo - who two years ago was five foot two and wouldn’t have been able to reach those sorts of crosses in the air - and you see that if you wait for young players and young talented players to develop physically, over time you see the rewards of that and it was a great goal from Thelo. It gave us a little bit of energy and a lift at that time of the game with six-or-seven minutes left.”

Curtis Tilt was back from injury for Latics and showed good leadership according to Rioch, who is hoping to try and establish a settled defence in the coming games.

“Curtis was terrific today, he brings that experience, competitiveness and that leadership alongside Emeka Obi and I thought Emeka got stronger and better as the game went on,” Rioch explained.

“Again, with that you are building relationships and partnerships. I’d be interested to watch back our last ten games and see the back fours who have been consistent from one game to the very next. I’d say it’s been very few. So I think once we try and get a bit of consistency and a level of players that are used to each other and used to their strengths and weaknesses then it can stand us in better stead going forward.

“The players have shown an incredible attitude this week towards training, towards the circumstances, towards the staff and to each other. The attitude has been top draw this week. As I mentioned yesterday in the pre-match discussions, we had a lot of energy and I think we brought that today. We’ll stick with each other and get behind the lads ready for Tuesday and we’ll go again and remain positive.”

Gregor Rioch | “We wanted commitment, aggression and determination and we got that”