Manager Keith Hill reflects on Dale’s 1-0 defeat at the DW Stadium…
“I’m devastated really, because the goal that decided the game was a terrible goal,” said Hill.
“We had to earn every opportunity that we created today and we didn’t put those opportunities away. I don’t think they [Wigan] earned the goal scoring opportunity that led to the winner.
“It was novice defending at best, so I’m disappointed but it’s difficult at the minute, and the players are going through the same rollercoaster that I am. They know they’re better than the position and the results that we’re in.
“Two thirds of everything we do is as good as it was last season, but results are dictating where we are in the league. It’ll affect confidence, although it hasn’t affected performances.
“I’m trying not to bring any pressure to the players and that’s why I’m out here so quickly after the full-time whistle, because there’s no point in me having an hour debrief with the players, that’s long gone. I’ve got to pick them up because they’re giving me everything. The intelligence that they have to use is not 100-percent all of the time, and over 95 minutes that’s going to cost you, which it has done.
“Cooky [Paul Cook] will tell you that they ground out the result and they did that with a little bit help of a slow second half. I don’t know why the referee wants a slow game.
“But I thought there was some magnificent defending in the second half – Ryan Delaney was superb. It’s just one of those hard luck stories, but if I want a hard luck story I’ll read a book or watch a film.”
Watch the full interview on iFollow.