COVENTRY City manager Mark Robins has been left puzzled by the fixture list after Monday afternoon’s opponents Rochdale were granted an extra day of rest over the weekend.
Rochdale defeated Bury 1-0 at Gigg Lane on Thursday night in a match which was not televised live.
The Thursday night fixture allows Rochdale an extra day of rest as Coventry prepare to face Charlton this afternoon at the Ricoh Arena. And Robins believes the extra day could be crucial in the outcome of the Easter Monday tie.
Today, the Sky Blues face Charlton at home in another must win game if City are to avoid relegation to League Two.
Robins said: “Rochdale played last night so they get an extra day of rest. It’s not fair, they have more rest time than us.
“It’s nothing to do with Rochdale, it’s how the games are programmed – but I don’t know why Rochdale played last night.
“We need more rest time to make the game fair. We couldn’t get that. Is that fair? But such is life and it is what it is.”
After highlighting his team’s lack of fitness when taking charge of the team, Robins said the two games over a short period of time will present a good challenge.
Robins said: “Two games over a short period of time always presents a tough challenge regardless of what fitness levels are like.
“Circumstances mean we have to win, all the time.
“I’m not looking beyond today’s game but we’ll take a rest on Saturday then train on Sunday so we’re ready to play on Monday.”