John Caulfield admits Cork City ‘have a lot of work to do’ if they are to make an impact this season.
After a slow start, the Rebels faced Dundalk in Oriel Park on Friday on the back of two wins.
But having impressed in the home win over Bohemians, Caulfield’s’ charges were played off the park by the champions.
City host Shamrock Rovers in this Friday’s televised game and Caulfield knows a big improvement is needed.
“We didn’t dominate the middle of the park and that was disappointing because you have to dominate there to have a chance,” he said.
Vinny Perth label's April run of games as a 'farce' and calls for mid-season break to be scrapped
“We didn’t create enough chances, didn’t do enough from open play. We’ve a lot of work to do and we know that.”
“We just didn’t get to grips with it. The lads didn’t go out to play badly. It just didn’t happen.
“This league is tough. We’ve achieved incredible results over the last five seasons but this season is going to be hard.
“Every team is up there to beat us and we just didn’t play well enough on Friday. We’re disappointed with that.”
Like all other top flight teams, City are facing into an energy-sapping run of fixtures this month, starting at home to Cobh Ramblers in the EA Sports Cup tonight.
“There’s no consultation,” said Caulfield. “Everyone knows it’s asking players to play three games a week going into a heavy schedule, physically it’s wrong.
“We’re not like clubs in the UK who have squads of 34 or 35 players. Even League One and League Two sides have that number of players.
“Most clubs over here are working off 21 or 22 players and once you get one or two injuries, it’s tough going.
“The load of games should come at the end of any season, not at the start. (but) no one is going to feel sorry for me or my players. You just have to get on with it.”
If you haven't already, be sure to like our Irish Mirror Sport and Irish Mirror GAA pages on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
