COVENTRY City manager Mark Robins says there’s no pressure on his side ahead of Sunday’s Checkatrade Trophy Final at Wembley Stadium against Oxford United.
Speaking at a press conference at Ryton training ground today, Robins said training has been at a good intensity and performance level since Saturday’s 1-0 home win against Bristol Rovers.
He added everyone at the club can feel the excitement around the city.
Although Robins highlighted his excitement for Sunday’s game, he admitted to having a strange feeling after not overseeing any of City’s Checkatrade Trophy fixtures this season.
Tony Mowbray, Mark Venus and Russell Slade all took charge of previous Checkatrade Trophy fixtures this season.
He said: “It’s a week where everybody is focused.
“People say there’s only one way to enjoy Wembley and that’s to win. That is right, but playing at Wembley is something you’ll never forget regardless of what happens.”
The 47-year-old watched Oxford’s 5-1 win against Bury at home last night, in which Everton loanee Conor McAleny scored a hat-trick.
McAleny is cup tied for the Wembley final, but Robins still believes Sunday’s opposition will provide a tough challenge.
He said: “Oxford are on an upward curve. They’re a good team with good players.
“We’re underdogs going into the game in terms of our league position. Having said that this is a one-off final and we’ve got tremendous backing.
“There’s no pressure on us. We’ll take in the sights and sounds and not let the game pass us by.
“There’s a lot more attention and interest for this game understandably.”
The former Manchester United forward said it’s never easy leaving players out, though he’ll have a better understanding of his starting XI later in the week.
Robins didn’t confirm whether forward duo Marcus Tudgay and Kwame Thomas are in the frame for starting Sunday’s final.
He added: “One or two have picked up some small injuries. We will know more by the end of the week. There are doubts over one or two.”