Wigan Athletic boss: We're still in gr-eight shape

Paul Cook insists he is not overly concerned with Wigan Athletic's away form despite a fourth defeat in five on the road at Norwich.
Reece James in action at NorwichReece James in action at Norwich
Reece James in action at Norwich

Latics have picked up only three points from a possible 15 on their travels, in stark contrast to their form at home, where they’ve won four and drawn one of five matches.

However, Cook doesn’t feel it’s a problem that is in need of addressing.

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“Nowadays there’s always someone waiting to offer a stat – that’s the way it is in the modern-day game,” he remarked.

“In my world, we are now one game without a win, in a division that is very unforgiving.

“Look at the away games we’ve had so far...Aston Villa, Stoke, QPR, Brentford, Norwich – they’re not easy places to go!

“But I feel we are equipping ourselves well, it was only the Brentford game where we were disappointed with what we served up.

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“We’re disappointed to lose at Norwich but we will pick ourselves up very quickly.”

Wigan’s 1-0 defeat at Carrow Road saw them slip out of the play-off places into eighth spot, which Cook is far from disheartened about.

“What a shocking situation we’re in...down to eighth...I wish the season would hurry up and finish now!” he laughed.

“Look, this is a fantastic league to play in, and the games come thick and fast.

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“After Norwich it was straight back home, rest, and start to get ready for Tuesday night (against Swansea).

“There’s bad runs around the corner for every single team in this division.

“If somebody had offered me 16 points after 10 games, eighth in the league, I’d have been absolutely delighted!

“Yes we’re disappointed to lose at Norwich, but you have to manage that disappointment. There’s no time to dwell on every defeat, there’s always a chance to put it right.”

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Cook also explained his decision to keep star striker Will Grigg on the bench until after Norwich had taken the lead with only four minutes to go.

“Will trained on the morning of the game for the first time since his injury,” Cook revealed.

“We’ve got to be careful with Will, and try to balance that with the fact our fans want to see him on the pitch.

“He actually travelled down with us, without a thought of being involved in the game.

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“We made the decision to put him on the bench because we thought it would look good for us, rather than with any thought of him playing.

“It’s so important we don’t rush players back from injury, no matter how desperate our need to have them on the field is.”