Newport County manager Christian Fuchs delivered a passionate and visibly frustrated response to the media following the 2–0 defeat at Swindon Town, expressing anger at the result and deep disappointment that his side came away with nothing.
Clearly incensed by the outcome, Fuchs insisted the performance did not reflect the final scoreline.
“First of all, I think you cannot tell who is at the top of the table and who is Newport County,” he said. “There was only one team playing. We played football like a much better team over 90 minutes. The only thing I would say is that we need to take more advantage of our chances, especially in the first half. We need to be mechanical in front of goal and put those chances away.”
While proud of the overall display, the County boss was openly frustrated by key moments in the game, particularly a decision he felt should have resulted in a penalty for his side.
“It happens to us all the time, where nothing seems to go our way,” he said. “It is no excuse, but when you expect a penalty in your favour, which should have definitely been given, and it is not, it is difficult to take.
“It just keeps happening every week right now. We have to live with it and probably work even harder to get those calls in our favour. But again, the team performed well. They left everything out there. It is incredibly disappointing to come away talking about decisions that have not gone our way.”
Fuchs also spoke with clear intensity about the need for greater ruthlessness in both boxes, pointing to the fine margins that ultimately proved decisive.
“We cannot just assume something will be called in our favour. We have to work double and triple as hard, get back into shape and defend properly. That is the difference at the moment. We are getting into good positions but not putting chances away. A team like them has two or three chances and scores two goals. That is the difference right now.”
Despite the setback, the Austrian remained defiant about his side’s mindset heading into a challenging run of fixtures against promotion-chasing opposition.
“Yes, there are three more tough games coming up,” he said. “But if you want to stay in this league, you have to take those chances and perform. My team does not have to hide from anybody. We said before the game, show respect but do not be afraid. Just play your game. The boys did that.”
When asked about morale in the dressing room, Fuchs revealed there was no need for a rallying speech, with the players equally aware of how the match unfolded.
“I had almost nothing to say in there,” he added. “The boys saw what kind of performance we put in. Now it is about being more clinical in front of goal.”
He also confirmed there are no fresh injury concerns ahead of the weekend fixture.
