Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson says he has held frank discussions with his players as the team looks to respond to Friday’s 1-0 defeat away to Sheffield United. The loss followed a performance Parkinson described as below the standards Wrexham have shown in other games this season.
Parkinson said the squad watched the full match together and discussed accountability and what needed to improve. He added that the group had worked productively in training and now had to turn those conversations into a response on the pitch.
Wrexham host Championship leaders Middlesbrough on Wednesday, followed by Wolves, in back-to-back home fixtures before the November international window. The club go into the midweek games 18th in the table, after successive away defeats. Against Sheffield United, their only shot on target came in added time, when Sam Smith’s header was saved.
Parkinson said Wrexham were “not where we want to be” and needed to dig deep. He wants the team to bring more spark, effort and intensity, while also meeting the tactical demands of the matches. He said the Racecourse atmosphere and support from the home crowd would be important against Middlesbrough.
Wrexham’s most recent home match ended in a 4-1 win over Preston North End, but the side have yet to record consecutive home victories this season. Parkinson said the squad was somewhat depleted, while stressing that it would need to show the grit and determination the team has displayed in the past.
Sources: BBC Sport Football.