Sky Blues boss disappointed with early Capital One Cup exit but says experience will make his side better
Coventry City boss Steven Pressley said Wednesday night's Capital One Cup defeat to Cardiff City gave him some positive food for thought despite the disappointment of defeat.
Guido Burgstaller's third minute opener gave the Bluebirds a half time advantage and substitute Kadeem Harris doubled their lead in the closing stages although Shaun Miller set up a tense finish with his first goal for the Sky Blues after a superb cross from Ryan Haynes.
Pressley said: "I thought we started the game with a bit of trepidation and not the belief I thought we would have coming into this game. We've had some young players in the side tonight so maybe that's understandable.
"I thought we grew into the game though and we got our balance in our press much better in the second half and we ended up creating by far the better opportunities in the second 45 minutes.
"I actually felt we should have got ourselves level because their second goal came at what was probably our best spell.
"I'm pleased for Shaun Miller getting his first goal for the club, he took it well and I was pleased with our reaction after conceding the second goal. I obviously don't want to keep talking about positives when we've lost a game but there was a lot tonight that we can take great confidence from."
Pressley also singled out praise for his younger players, three of whom in Lee Burge, Jack Finch and James Maddison made their competitive debuts. He spoke though about the impact 18-year-old full-back Haynes who came off the bench to provide a pinpoint assist for Miller's goal.
"Ryan is a player we have real high hopes for. He's a great athlete and a terrific prospect and he showed a great mentality tonight. I could talk about a lot of the players though, I thought the midfield of Danny Swanson, John Fleck and Jim O'Brien were terrific and this is a game we will learn and grow from and become a better side from."