RLB PRE OXFORD

Regis Le Bris has hinted at playing a stronger 11 against Oxford and turning up the intensity with two league games to go before the play-offs.

WHOLE SQUAD INVOLVED

“We know that many events can happen so it is still not definitive. We have to wait for the team sheet just before the semi-final. But I think for everyone in the room, the fans, the players, the squad, we know what could be the first 11. After that, you have injuries, players unfit, I think we will be close to our best 11 but we don’t know. Many things can happen so it is not just that the eleven players involved at Oxford will play the semi-final. It is a full group. We need subs to react to any situation. Football is still unpredictable. You can’t anticipate a scenario but if you have everyone available and ready to play, connected with different positions, different scenarios, different problems, I think this is the best output we can have. I repeat, it is not just eleven players, it is the full group. We will make different decisions to try and manage the game properly and try to have the best output.”

OXFORD FIGHTING RELEGATION

“They are still in the Championship and we still have different opponents. You can win or lose every time. For us, the main focus is still on our own game, the way we want to prepare for this event. With the semi-finals very close to this game, I think the team will be 100% motivated and after that we will see.”

STAY FOCUSED

“It is a good reminder of what we have achieved together. At the same time, if we are not fully involved then we will be punished. Now, I don’t think that is a new idea for the team. But after this achievement (play-offs) we want more. I think everyone wants more! After this season probably we can have an overview of the season, but no our main focus is on the play-offs and we will try our best to be the best team possible.”

FRINGE PLAYERS AND RETURNING INJURIES

“I think the decision for the squad and the team sheet will be more difficult now and that is a good sign. Often at the end of the season you can see your injured players: are they positive? Are they proactive? Do they want to be involved at the end of the season or not? Yes is the case here, they all want to be involved. We have positive vibes in the dressing room and in the building. Everyone wants to be in that team. There may be more difficult decisions for me, but it is better for the team. And even if some of them are not in the squad they will still be around because we are connected. It is not only these two or three games at the end, it is a full season. If you play maybe 20 minutes, but during these 20 minutes you can help the team, you are a part of the process. Everyone is important.”