The Coventry City boss, Mark Robins, expressed the challenge ahead as his team prepares to face Leeds United this weekend. Both teams have high stakes in the upcoming match in the Midlands.
Leeds currently holds the second position in the Championship, but with Leicester City having a game in hand, securing a positive result against either Leicester or Ipswich Town is crucial to regain control of their promotion bid.
On the other hand, Coventry sits in seventh place, just four points behind sixth-placed Norwich City with a game in hand. Despite a recent loss to Cardiff City, Coventry’s playoff aspirations remain alive, especially after Norwich’s defeat to Leicester City.
As they gear up to host Leeds, Coventry aims to disrupt their opponent’s promotion hopes. Manager Mark Robins acknowledged the importance of defensive work, emphasizing the need to excel without possession.
“We will be out of possession for a little bit but hopefully we will be good on the ball and create some opportunities for ourselves, and play in a way to cause them enough problems to give ourselves some real goalmouth action at the other end,” Robins stated.
Reflecting on their previous encounter with Leeds, which ended in a draw, Robins highlighted the significance of maintaining defensive shape and minimizing spaces to prevent Leeds from capitalizing on their attacking strengths.
“We will be out of possession for a little bit but hopefully we will be good on the ball and create some opportunities for ourselves, and play in a way to cause them enough problems to give ourselves some real goalmouth action at the other end,” the Coventry boss has said.
“It didn’t happen up at Elland Road (where we drew 1-1), really, when we sort of stayed in the game and didn’t try to go after them until we won the ball back. But you have to maintain your shape and close the spaces to keep them to a minimum,” Robins explained.
“And I don’t think that’s a secret because if you open up with any team at the level then you are in trouble, certainly against the top teams.”
Acknowledging the challenge posed by top teams, Robins emphasized the importance of defensive solidity against Leeds, stressing that opening up against any team at this level could lead to trouble.