World News – UK – Top five quotes from John Akinde’s press conference outside Swindon

Gillingham will host Swindon Town in EFL League One action on Saturday to go undefeated in five league games.

Before the game, Gill’s striker John Akinde took on the press via Zoom. Here are five of his key quotes.

“It was good to get the result. I thought all the guys played well and it was a good performance. We just want to keep this shape. After every defeat, everyone itches to play the next game and wants to correct it. We were disappointed when we knocked out the trophy and wanted to make up for it.

« I know the manager likes the formation and he has played it before. I wasn’t surprised when it came around. I’m glad it worked, we all enjoyed ourselves, we guys like to play together so it was good. It takes some pressure off a striker, especially when you’re playing with three. If there are two or three of us we can share the workload and do runs. It worked and we created a lot of opportunities that are critical to scoring goals. I probably should have had one, but it was good we created it and it may take a long time. ”

Gillingham secured a comfortable 2-0 win over Bristol Rovers on Tuesday and a formation change, possibly due to an injury to Jordan Graham, was key to victory.

Akinde and Vadaine Oliver started with Dominic Samuel at the back of the field and the strikers were excellent in the system. Expect more of this on Saturday.

“There is a lot of joke in training. It’s a great squad and there is a great spirit and atmosphere. Twitter showed that Jordan praised and cheered us. We all just want to help the club keep going.

« Injuries never help a squad, so it’s always a good thing to keep everyone fit and to fight for places. We know we have a very strong squad who are working really hard. We support each other. I enjoyed it. We have a good relationship both outside and on the soccer field. I think it shows – talk to each other, help each other, fill in when needed. It was really fun. Personally, I would like to play more, but I’m not going to sit and sulk, I’ll just keep trying to do my best when I play and train.

« We said the other day, one of us you can handle, but two of us, what are you doing? We enjoyed that, we saw another side of V’s game and so did I.. It’s not always a fight – sometimes you want to be the other striker and we had Dom in the hole, who also made his contribution to the team. I think it’s the first time we’ve all started together and we enjoyed it. ”

Akinde is the only striker left from last year but it seems he and the other strikers all get along and gel. It shows both on and off the field.

« Everyone knows that Christmas is a busy time, so we want to start the season very confidently and beat last year’s unbeaten run. We expected it. When we came back for preseason it was talked about and if we do well in the cups we will play every midweek, like the game against Cambridge. It will be difficult, but the point is to train properly and prepare for proper management of the training load. It’s tough, but everyone is in the same boat. ”

Several clubs are now playing twice a week and it is a dangerous time for the players. As Akinde says, pretty much everyone is in the same boat and it needs treatment. Squad rotation will be vital.

« I was frustrated that I didn’t play as much as I wanted, but it is what it is. I have to keep my head down and keep getting into the areas to score goals. The way we play is different from what I’m used to. So it’s about adapting the way I play. Of course I want to score goals. I want to help the team win. If I contribute to that I’m happy, but ideally I would have liked to have scored more goals, but I can only do my best.

« I felt like I played well against Ipswich the last time I played the full 90 and I’m enjoying it. I’ve been around long enough to know that football can change like this, so I just lowered my head and kept working hard. ”

Akinde hasn’t played properly or scored a lot of goals since joining the Gills in January, but he’s starting to look forward to good form and minutes. He will hope it continues.

“You are trying to plan an expansive football. Every game in this league is a challenge, I can’t really say that there are easy games. We will be aware of what they are capable of, but also take what we can do to them and try to perform well and get the result.

“You cannot underestimate a team. I know a couple of their players and they are really good. For example, if Jack Payne is at the top of his game he will cause problems. But we have to show the respect, but not too much respect, and if we go out there and play by the standards we’ve had lately we will give everyone a problem. We always create opportunities, and it’s about using them, being a solid team, keeping the spirit up, keeping the sheets clean and playing for each other and playing as a unit. We don’t want to take them for granted, but we are confident that if we focus on what we do, we will be up to everyone. ”

Swindon is 19. in the premier league, but still a menacing team, and new manager John Sheridan will want to improve his mixed start in life as a city manager. Saturday will reveal everything.

Swindon Town F. . C.. . , Gillingham F. . C.. . , John Akinde, EFL League One