Mark Robins was delighted with his side’s three points against Stoke City.
Ellis Sims scored the only goal of the game and the Sky Blues finished the week with seven of their nine points.
Sims’ second goal in as many games means City remain in the top six of the Championship.
After the final whistle, Robins reflected on the game, provided an update on Victor Tope, and explained changes to the team.
Looking back at the match…
“I’m delighted. When the fixture list comes out, you look at this week and think it’s going to be a tough game, but with the Millwall game getting closer to the Plymouth game it’s going to get even harder.
“The fact that we got seven points this week is great.
“It wasn’t a great game for either team. The conditions got more difficult and things got a little rough in the second half, but we should have been able to get in front early on.
“We had three chances to put it into the back of the goal, but they put their bodies in the way and stopped us. I don’t know how it happened, but we should have been more ruthless. It creates momentum.”
“They’re nervous, but we didn’t play well. That’s why we caught up with them this week on the road and in games.”
6 changes and Troup injury…
“We have to try to give people a break when we can, but it’s not ideal.
“What happens next will be really tough and you will try to pick your team knowing you won’t get over it. But you have to win games and make changes. Everyone has to be involved. That’s the only way to keep everyone healthy.”
“Viktor Torp was injured at half-time so we had to replace him, but this happens often in games.
“No one is thinking about the players. They have to rest. It’s almost cruel.”
Ellis scored the only goal of the game…
“The second half was a slug and we had to push, and thankfully we were able to do that.
“There were some really good performances, I think Ellis was the best he’s ever played for us. He picked his position really well for the goal.
“It was great to keep a clean sheet and he scored the winning goal in the game so that will be good for him.
“It’s always difficult to get three points here and today we didn’t have that much quality apart from the goal. Haji got it back really well, Callum slipped through and Ellis saw enough and put it in the back of the net.”
Ben Wilson returns to the side…
“I wanted to make a change. I don’t have a No. 1 and a No. 2, I have two really good goalkeepers,” he said.
“Sometimes they need to go out and clear their heads, and that’s how I felt today, and thankfully it worked out.
“Ben was the clean sheeter last season and needed to come on when he came on, but that doesn’t mean Brad will be back any time soon.
“I want them to fight and I want them to be in a position where they know they have a chance, but I want the best.”
Tavares makes his first league start…
“I think he did what was asked of him and I think he’s going to get better and grow in confidence.
“I don’t think it was a bad performance. I thought he was okay. We want him to be more of a threat at the back, but Tatsu was sick so it gave Fabio room to play.”