MK: “I think you’ve seen what he can offer us, what he can do.”

Ahead of the midweek fixture at Oxford United, Mark Kennedy addressed the importance of players putting the club before themselves and assessed the nature of the task in hand at the Kassam Stadium.

You can discuss what Mark Kennedy has said ahead of this match HERE, as well as get involved with our pre-match threads: You can post your score predictions, discuss the starting XI and post your attendance predictions!

Player Responsibility: Mark Kennedy directly addressed Tashan Oakley-Boothe having to leave the game through illness having not previously disclosed the issue prior to the game. It’s very rare any player will be 100% fit when they play any game but when it comes to illness the coach completely trusts the players to let him know of any potential problems. The two most important things are the club and the players but without exception, the club always comes first. Players have to recognise that.

MK gave an anecdotal story of managing to injure himself a night before he was due to play Leeds. He asked the manager to miss the game so he would be fit for the next six matches after that. MK believed that was well received by his manager and demonstrated confidence in himself aside from it being the right thing to do.

MK has explained to TOB that it’s not about individuals, and to please not worry if he is struggling as there are plenty of players available to play on the one hand, in addition to there being plenty of games for everyone to get game time, in light to the fixture list. Whilst the incident had been discussed MK was quick to point out it was a requirement for all players and wanted to highlight TOB’s character.

“Tash is a brilliant, brilliant lad. He’s a super impressive guy. Tash in terms of; you look at the other side of the character and type of person – he’s a real stand-up guy. Somebody I really feel lucky to have in the building”.

Individual Player Observations: Whilst it was neither ideal nor planned for Jordon Garrick to enter the game as he did, it was something sanctioned by the sports science team who were happy for it to happen.

“I think you’ve seen what he can offer us, what he can do. The key thing for Jordon is because he is behind everybody in terms of minutes, is actually getting him onto the pitch at some point. So I think, a bit like a race horse he will be better for it”.

On Charles Vernam, MK feels he is in a really good place right now (in spite of recent injury). Charles enjoyed a really good pre-season and is in brilliant shape, as somebody who really looks after himself anyway.

Oxford United: “I think ultimately we’ll be up against a very good side; a side we expect to do well, a side that I think will be looking at the promotion, play-off places for sure”

Under Karl Robinson, the ‘U’s’ have consistently been there or thereabouts for several years and play excellent football. It will be a tough game to be sure and ignorant to think anything otherwise.

MK was unconcerned about the depth and quality within the Oxford squad as he preferred his players to focus on their own game plan, both with and without the ball. Karl Robinson could make ten changes but MK would still know what to expect irrespective of their personnel line-up. It’s not like they would suddenly lump the ball long or alter their style dramatically.

Writer: hulloutpost

MK: "I think you've seen what he can offer us, what he can do."https://t.co/q9BvfMciKC#OUFC #ImpsAsOne #WeAreImps

— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) August 15, 2022