Cheltenham Town manager Steve Cotterill reflected on a tough afternoon after a heavy 4-0 defeat to Bristol Rovers, attributing the loss to exhaustion and missing key players.
“We probably ran out of legs,” Cotterill said. “The lads’ minds are willing, but their bodies just can’t carry them now. We’ve had a demanding run of games, including midweek fixtures. We played how we can, but maintaining that level is proving difficult.”
Despite going 2-0 down at halftime, Cotterill felt his team was the better side on the pitch. “At times in the second half, we were still the better team, but we ended up losing 4-0. It’s not reflective of how we played.”
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The manager highlighted the absence of defender Robbie Cundy as a pivotal factor. “If we had Robbie Cundy today, those goals from long throws wouldn’t have happened. He’s crucial in winning headers and clearing the box. Training prepared us for that, but match intensity is different.”
Cotterill addressed criticism from fans questioning the players’ passion. “You can’t always show passion when you’re completely spent. The players have given everything, and I’ve squeezed every ounce out of them.”
He praised the team’s possession and chances, especially in the first half. “We had more of the ball and opportunities. Joe Day didn’t have to make many saves. It was a tough day physically.”
With key players like Cundy, Ben Stevenson, and Isaac Hutchinson sidelined, Cotterill feels the team has lost its core. “We’ve lost our spine, the players who keep the team connected.”
Looking ahead, he is determined to rally his squad once more. “I’ll squeeze that orange again next week.”
Cotterill concluded by acknowledging the challenge of defending set-pieces without his usual personnel. “Restart moments cost us, like the early corners where marking faltered. It’s frustrating, but at this stage, the boys are just tired.”