Mark Robins has defended Sunderland's tactics ahead of his side's clash with them on Sunday.
In midweek Fleetwood Town boss Joey Barton was critical of what he called 'hoof-ball' tactics from the Black Cats during a 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light.
But having watched the game ahead of his own side's clash with Sunderland this weekend, Coventry City boss Robins believes the two sides were set up very similar, and believes Barton's comments may have been influenced by his past affiliations with Sunderland's rivals Newcastle United.
Robins told Coventry Live: "I think that maybe had something to do with his Newcastle past, but I don’t know.
“Managers say things at times and we’re all competitive and it does certain things to you at times and you look back and think, ‘dear me’.
"I just watched the game from the other night and have not seen anything from the managers. I am only interested in what happens on the field and how we can try and cause them problems.
“I thought it was a game between two very similar sides actually. They set up the same with good players on show, and they try to play football as well, in between the competitive nature of the managers and the team which is reflected in that.”
Sunday's game at St Andrew's will be a huge game in the League One promotion race. Coventry sit just three points ahead of Sunderland, but also have a game in hand. So as far as the Black Cats' automatic promotion hopes are concerned, it's a game they really need to avoid defeat in.
Robins is sure it will be an entertaining spectacle.
“I don’t think they are necessarily that [a hoof-ball team]. They have got some good and talented players and I am looking forward to the game which should be a really good spectacle.
“It’s a different challenge, different team, different day and hopefully the weather will be better, although there’s another storm coming.”
