We could not cope with Leeds, admits Bristol Rovers boss Trollope
Paul Trollope said his Bristol Rovers side were handed a "reality check" after being outplayed by League One leaders Leeds at the Memorial Stadium last night.
And the Pirates' boss felt the visitors showed they are top of the table by right after their impressive 4-0 win at the Memorial Stadium.
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Leedstopstory
"We were beaten by the better side – Leeds produced a display we couldn't cope with and we couldn't produce anything in the final third to hurt them," said Trollope.
"It was a reality check over where we are in our progression and one we have to analyse quickly and move on."
Jermaine Beckford scored twice, with Sam Vokes and substitute Tresor Kandol also netting to condemn Rovers to their fourth defeat on the trot.
"Beckford's movement, pace and aggression means he has caused us problems over the past three seasons and we tried to look at that and work out a way to stop him, but he was too good for us," admitted Trollope.
"He's a multi-million pound striker who will either go up with Leeds or go to a higher level with another club.
"He's a level above most of the strikers that you will find at this level and our players can learn from watching him."
Trollope admitted the losing run proved Rovers have to improve if they are to stay in touch with the play-off chasers.
"Our good start to the season raised expectations, which was understandable, but there is still a lot of improvement needed," he said. "I said that when we were winning earlier in the season and what happened here has underlined it. We were exposed by some very good individual players."
Rovers have another daunting task on Saturday when they travel to MK Dons.
"Now we'll be looking for people to come in to training with clear minds having learned from this," said Trollope.
"We need a fresh mentality and a belief that we can bounce back and quickly turn things around."
Bristol Rovers hope midfielder Chris Lines may be available for the weekend, but have worries over a knee injury to central defender Danny Coles.
"Danny injured his knee towards the end of game with Yeovil but experienced soreness in training. We believe he twisted it, but we need the consultant to see the scan before we know the full extent," said Trollope.
Bristol Rovers have switched their FA Cup first-round tie with Southampton to Friday, November 6 (7.45pm) on police advice.
21 Comments
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by Andy Cappell, ipswich also bottom
Thursday, October 29 2009, 11:18AM
“Trollope was taking notes most of the game, but what he was doing was jotting down the way Leeds played , moves etc. so that he could try them out with The Gas training .. trouble is Gas haven't got the players to accomodate any suggestions.
Bring back some of the players that are out on loan and try them out.
Watched Arsenal and Liverpool last night (World apart)”
by dan, dowend
Wednesday, October 28 2009, 8:39PM
“i am a rovers fan but guarantee if that would of been city last night johnson would of tore strips out of them, which is what trollope should of done”
by Dave, bath
Wednesday, October 28 2009, 6:45PM
“One of the most inept coaching and on the field displays by any BRFC team. A disgrace to the shirt. Sadly all predictable, This side is poor, and the early season success against poor sides belied that. Trollope has no answers - he is like a rabbit caught in the headlights. The defence has fallen apart, and has lost all faith. The Norwich result turned the season around, and we are headed down. Rumours in football circles that Trollope has lost control of the team. Relegation fight is on and for those who don't believe the threat is real, look at the table in another 6 games. This pathetic bunch of losers have no idea of have to turn this around. ,”
by CityPete, Bristol
Wednesday, October 28 2009, 5:32PM
“Blue at least we got the fans to blame unlike your misery 6000 or more if a big team comes. Your manager dont blame anyone thats your problem no players to change a losing team so it keeps on losing. youre never see a bristol derby again you will always be below us. I expect BEP will ban this as it has all city postings today”
by Blue, Bristol
Wednesday, October 28 2009, 4:23PM
“At least Trolls hasn't come out and blamed the fans like Fat Gary does!”
by parrot, north somerset
Wednesday, October 28 2009, 4:03PM
“can some from the BEP please explain why my earlier post has been deleted ???!!!”
by Horfield Boy, Horfield
Wednesday, October 28 2009, 3:09PM
“First of all, Paul Trollope (on the official site) freely admits he got the tactics wrong last night. He went for all-out attack and it failed. There certainly was a naivety about some of the play but Mikkel Andersen was forced into the long kicks as Leeds were so fast to the ball and closing down our defenders that he couldn't risk throwing the ball to them to work down the flanks, as was so effective in September.
Basically, we had enough good play to beat Southend and Yeovil (Southend in the 2nd half and Yeovil in the 1st half we missed a string of good chances) and lost heavily to the division's best teams.
I am reasonably confident that, when we get back to playing the average Div. 3 teams we will start to win again and still can see us in the play off positions at Christmas. In fact, had we gained the 6 points we deserved against Southend and Yeavil, nobody would be complaining about the Leeds game. We won't face any other teams who ae that good again this season!”
by mike, london
Wednesday, October 28 2009, 2:03PM
“Dont make me laugh Trolls! we couldnt cope? we couldnt cope with a Sunday league side at the moment! WE NEED FRESH BLOOD!
Trolls if your reading this. How could last night be a reality check? was this not the case with Norwich? then Southend? then Yeovil and now Leeds, and I think the same will happen after MK Dons!
Fact is the squad is to thin. The bench has no match winners and knowone who can change the game (unless Willo is on there)
The midfield is far to weak! it gets by passed time and time again!
Can you please tell the defenders that Dickson and Kuffour are not targert men, so dont keep hitting it long! get the ball on the deck!”
by Andy Cappell, Ipswich
Wednesday, October 28 2009, 12:39PM
“Thought I d pay a visit to North bristol.
Left after the third goal. Tell the goalie BrianClough said that if the football was meant to be played in the air then god would have made the sky green
Need a new centre back, centre forward and also a midfield player. Not worth the effort or expense in getting to the ground. Don't think I shall bother again this season .Paying £17 doesn't worry me but value for money does.”
by biccy pen, brixham
Wednesday, October 28 2009, 12:32PM
“Trollope. Get your head out off that notebook you always carry around with you and learn to react to the situation in hand. Not writing notes during the game, taking it home and then looking at where it went wrong. While you are at it- get three Defenders, three midfielders who can tackle and show some passion and also two more strikers. Sack the defensive,midfield and striker coaches(if we have any)”