Sky Blues defender, Dom Hyam reflected on City's clash with Queens Park Rangers yesterday afternoon.
The Sky Blues had much of the play in the first half but were undone by two second half goals for the Rs to go down 2-0 at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium on Saturday, as City suffered only their second league defeat of the season.
“I thought we played well, especially first half. I wouldn’t say we dominated the ball, but we definitely had the better of the chances but its just about taking them." Hyam said.
“In the grand scheme of things it’s been a good start and we’ve got to remember that.
“But it’s just the fine margins of this league and that’s how you get punished. If you don’t take your chances, then you leave yourself vulnerable at the other end.
“It’s one we’ll learn from but like I said the big picture we’d have taken the start.”
It was QPR that found the break through on in the 68th minute with Hyam disappointed with the goals conceded.
“We need to look back on them. I think it’s a second phase corner and a third phase free kick so we just need to stay focused and make sure the ball is cleared before we start relaxing.
“So we’ll look back at them, but it got away from us today, I think we had some really good chances we just need to take them first half as then it would have been a completely different game. It’s one we’ll learn from and we’ll look back on and we just have to go again”
New signing Jake Clarke Salter came into the side for the match, which saw Hyam move to the right side of defence, and Hyam believes he’ll be a good addition to the squad.
“He’s been good, its always good to have competition, we’ve got four top quality centre halves now so that’ll only push each other on. We know we need to train well and play well to keep hold of the shirt. He’s a good lad, he’s fitted in really well and we are glad to have him.
“Right is my preferred as I’m right footed but I’ve played three years on the left so I’m used to it. Like I said we are all capable of playing anywhere across the back three, or five, or whatever you want to call it. We just need to see who can play where and what systems fit.
“Jake is a new player we need to know his strengths and his weaknesses, the rest of us we know each other quite well, but that’ll come with time and training and we are looking forward to playing with each other.”
Despite the defeat, Hyam spoke of his pride in making his 150th appearance for the Sky Blues in West London. The Scottish defender joined Coventry from Reading in 2017 and has been a part of two promotion winning squads during his time in Sky Blue colours.
“It’s gone really quickly but I’m really proud of that. I knew it was around this sort of time but I didn’t know it was this game till I was told about five minutes ago. I’m really pleased with that achievement and hopefully I can get another 50 then keeping achieving things with this club.
“I’ve got to keep reminding myself, and all my family are quite good at reminding me, that it wasn’t all Championship football and big stadiums. There was a lot of hard work and a lot of graft, and it just makes you appreciate being here a little more.
Having signed with City in the fourth tier of English football, Hyam perhaps appreciates more than most the start he and his teammates have made in the Sky Blue’s second successive campaign back in the Championship.
“Nine points out of the first five games we would have taken that at the start. We don’t just want to survive; we obviously want to improve on last year and see where it takes us.
“You go out to win every game and if you win every game, you get promoted. I know it sounds simple, but we have a gameplan for every game and we’ve just got to see where it takes us.
“We have individual meetings and group meetings every couple of weeks, and we looked at this block of first five games and wanted to improve on last year’s first five and we’ve done that.
“Then when we are in after the international break, we’ll look at the next five games and come up with another target and if we make our targets then we’ll do well.
“But we have the break now, so we’ll get some good training in and prepare for Middlesbrough next.”
Hyam was asked if he thought the international break has come at a good time for the squad before explaining how his experience helps him with recovery and preparation with a long season ahead.
“It is relentless but its part of the job. It is tough but you enjoy it at the same time, it is a weird one.
“I don’t think it has been as brutal so far this year, with the Saturday Tuesdays, as we had to cram it in a lot more last year.
“But it’s a welcome break and it just gives us time to work on things on the training pitch and get over a few knocks and niggles and come back fresh.
“I wouldn’t say I’m good but I’m surviving. As you get older you need to manage your body and make sure you are available for the games. If you are feeling something, then drop out of training and that comes with experience.
“Just being ready for the games and when it matters really.
“Obviously try and train as much as you can. When its relentless its tough to train a lot of the time because all your energy is going into the game but it’s something you learn over the years, just to know your body and this is when you earn your crust on a matchday so be ready for that.”