MAC RAP AFTER U’S GIVE BEES A BASHING
MIDFIELDER Alan McCormack has panned Brentford’s Capital One Cup exit at the hands of Oxford United as ‘unacceptable’.
The Bees were 3-0 down after just 12 minutes against the inspired League Two U’s and eventually crashed out 4-0 at the first hurdle.
The experienced McCormack, who came on early in the second half, pulled no punches in his assessment.
“It was a changed team, but it shouldn’t have been a changed attitude,” said the 31-year-old Dubliner. “I felt there was a little bit of ‘we’re a Championship team’ and we’ll beat them. That was the impression from the very first moments.
“It was certainly an unacceptable performance from everyone, including myself. Everyone’s got to take the blame.We can’t accept those performances, not in a club that’s trying to get promoted to the Premier League.
“You have got to be at your best in every game and give your all every single minute. Hopefully the boys will look back and learn. They are young lads with exceptional talent, but they need to have grit and determination about them. Maybe that will come with age and experience.”
Goalkeeper Jack Bonham had a rough night, but McCormack has backed the 21-year-old to come good.
“He’s very disappointed,” he said. “A few of us have sat down beside him and tried to get his head up, he feels like he’s cost us the game.
“He made a couple of mistakes and it stands out more in his position but he’ll go on to have a great career if he continues developing the way he is. His talent in training is frightening and now he needs game time.”
To add to Brentford’s misery, Danish international defender Andreas Bjelland injured his knee against the U’s and is likely to miss the rest of the season.
Tuesday’s home match against Birmingham has been rearranged for September 29 due to problems with the Griffin Park pitch.