'We're a team trying to make sure we stay up' - Buckingham
Des Buckingham was appointed Oxford United head coach in November 2023
- Published
Oxford United boss Des Buckingham says they cannot get too downhearted by recent defeats by Watford, Middlesbrough and Sheffield United in the Championship.
The U's are two points clear of the relegation zone as they prepare to host Millwall on Saturday.
"We gave a good account of ourselves at Watford, but Middlesbrough and Sheffield United are two sides that are challenging to go up, while we're a side that is making sure we're trying to stay up and if we keep doing what we're doing then we will," Buckingham told BBC Radio Oxford.
Millwall are on an eight-game unbeaten run and saw their midweek match at Portsmouth postponed because of a power failure at Fratton Park.
"Millwall have been very effective with how they've played. They're probably about where they should be with the squad that they've got, they’re a very established club and they manage games extremely well," said Buckingham.
Oxford will be boosted by the return of Elliott Moore to the squad after he missed the defeat by Sheffield United through suspension.
"Elliott's been a big miss on and off the pitch, he leads extremely well and is a very big voice on the pitch and presence around the club so we welcome him back this weekend," added Buckingham.