Gary McSheffrey labelled Rovers’ second half performance as ‘nowhere near the level’ as his side fell to a 3-0 defeat at Carlisle United.
McSheffrey admitted he had expected a response from his side after they went in at the break a goal down and was thoroughly disappointed as they failed to do so.
McSheffrey on how the game played out:
“We’re obviously hugely disappointed. We had a big chance at 0-0 which would obviously have changed the game. But saying that, Jonno [Jonathan Mitchell] has made some great saves so it could have been a lot worse.
“The second half performance was nowhere near to the level and we were almost conceding goals from our attacks and possession in their half.
“It was quite a concern that we weren’t ready and set to defend when we’ve got the ball, which is something we talk a lot about - being in areas and ready for counters and turnovers of possession.
“They just outran us on transitions and turnovers and they could have won by more.
“We shot ourselves in the foot in the second half and ultimately we all need to be a lot better, myself included but the players as well.”
On the performance of the players:
“I didn’t think they looked like they had any confidence and I think a few got exploited.
“We had a honest conversation afterwards but ultimately the players needed to be better. We as staff needed to be better and some of them need to step up to the plate because it’s not going to get any easier.”
On the search for improvement:
“We need to try to do that in the next few days and see what options we’ve got, see if there’s any lads coming back.
“But the group of players are the group of players and we have to get the best out of them.”
On the current position in the table:
“There is an expectancy level to be higher up the division. That’s a fact and I’m not hiding from that.
“The truth is that we’re getting outsized in some games, we’re getting outran. Teams are looking a bit better than us athletically, and a bit faster. On turnovers we look like we can get exploited.
“We need to be a lot better. We won’t hide. You just have to get through tough times.
“We’ve got some good names for this division, that have had good careers. But players need to start stepping up and playing to the pressure and expectancy levels that are required.
“When you’re out on the pitch you need to put some personality on the game and be brave to get on things.
“Too many didn’t turn up.”
On being better himself:
“You always hold yourself accountable. I’m the face and the name to the team so I’m not going to say that I can’t do better. You can always do better.
“At the same time I’m out there for the whole game, taking whatever I take so the players need to take some responsibility and play for their shirt and future because there are some that aren’t do that.”