Ex-Sky Blue Chris Maguire among the scorers as Oxford put four past the Sky Blues...
City’s interim boss Mark Venus gave a very frank and honest assessment of his side’s performance following a 4-1 away defeat to Oxford United.
The Sky Blues, who have only won on the road once this season, were 3-0 down by the interval and were unable to conjure a revival in the second half.
Marcus Tudgay netted a consolation goal from the penalty spot for the away side, but Venus was disappointed with City’s overall display.
“That was the worst for me, all aspects of the game. We were naive,” Venus said.
“I’ve got my opinion, but bottom line is they had more intensity than us, they closed us down. They put us under pressure and we couldn’t handle the ball up to the centre forward.
“We did everything wrong. They have experienced winning in the league under me and now they have tasted defeat. We aren’t a team who can win five on the trot.
“We have to keep adapting to the league, certain aspects we can’t handle. We were beaten on the day by a better side, who had more purpose and meaning.”
The Sky Blues have the chance to bounce back from today’s league defeat with a trip to Bolton on Tuesday evening, and Venus will be hoping for a quick response from his side.
He added: “They are young, we’re at the bottom of the league and that isn’t a fluke after 18 games. Our frailties are goals conceded, it is a catalogue of things we need to improve on if we are going to pick up points in this league.
“We work hard to improve things and bring in players to help them, the team needs a hand. And we need more men in the football club. We were brushed aside too easily today.
“It hurts, it is your profession. It kicks you in the ribs and beats you up but that is sport, it is emotional.”