Interview: Mark Robins reflects on Sheffield Wednesday draw, Victor Torp’s debut and FA Cup replay

Head coach Coventry City Mark Robins evaluated the game as the Sky Blues had to make do with a replay at Hillsborough.

Before Djeidi Gassama equalized late in the game, Victor Torp’s goal on his debut appeared to be sufficient.

After the match, Robins discussed his team’s six changes and Victor Torp’s debut against Sheffield Wednesday.

Looking back at the game…

“Don’t lose if you are unable to win. We bring them back to our location and proceed accordingly.

“I felt that the game lacked polish. The pitch was challenging, and their setup adds to the difficulty.

“We gained the lead thanks to a fantastic goal and incredible strike. We had more opportunities to score, and Ellis had one very good one in the second half. If we had taken it, we would have won, but we were unable to do so.

When they re-enter the game, one of their players takes a shot from the edge of the box that deflects and beats Ben. However, we go down the other end and have a chance to score, but their keeper saves well to deny Jamie Allen.

“I felt like we had some really good moments, and that was really the story of the game.”

Six changes…

“There were several factors, but one important factor is fatigue, specifically Tatsu’s.”

The intensity and regularity of the games eventually catch up with you, so he needed a break because you can’t keep doing it. He was completely exhausted.

“We wanted to give them time to heal so we don’t have injuries since Haji just returned from an injury, Callum O’Hare looks dead on his feet, he played on this pitch on Saturday, and they look sluggish. The game is on Tuesday.

Josh Eccles performed incredibly well throughout the game, but he appeared lanky. We wanted to take him off the field, but we were unable to do so.

“We are lucky not to have suffered any injuries during the match. We have given our players minutes, and many of them are now fully recovered. We have given others some rest, and we will play again on Tuesday.”

Victor Torp’s debut…

“He had a difficult time entering the game. He is a skilled football player and has that in his locker. It’s a difficult pitch.

“Welcome to Coventry, that was a brilliant goal, brilliant debut.”

Kasey Palmer’s reaction he received…

“He’s engaged with football. In a game where we put in a lot of effort, they appear to amuse the public, which is inappropriate.

It’s a shame, and the response was even more of a shame. People really need to examine themselves and ask themselves what the heck they’re doing. This was a complete farce.

“Kasey is a football player who merely wants to enjoy playing the game with his family.”