Aaron Ramsey spoke to the press after Cardiff City’s 1-1 draw at home to Oxford United
“I think the level of the performance from the boys was superb,” Ramsey began. “They did everything we asked of them throughout the week.
“We controlled the game pretty well and we played with real intensity and intent, and sometimes, football can be cruel, these things happen and it took a worldly from 35 yards.
“But I think we can be really proud of what we've done over the last 24 hours and to produce that sort of performance in that space of time, I think we can take a lot from it.
“We wanted to try and be on the front foot and create opportunities and it's difficult, especially against a team like that who like to go into a low block and you need to be patient in breaking them down. So, opportunities don't always open up and occur as often as against other teams when they're a little bit more expansive.
“But I think in general, the performance that we looked for and the commitment from them was all evident to see, and I think that's going to put us in a better place now for Saturday.”
Ramsey continued by reflecting on the experience of being on the touchline.
“It was a really proud moment,” Aaron continued. "To do it with Gunts [Chris Gunter] it’s pretty special and obviously Joe [Ralls] as well, this Club means a lot to me; I felt like I could have a reaction out of the players for these last few games and I certainly got that today.
“I’d like to thank all the fans as well, they were brilliant, they gave us a bit extra, the energy that we got from them was fantastic and I just want to thank them for all of that.
“It’s a difficult position to be in, but I think the main thing for me when the opportunity came up was, could I have a reaction and could I bring out a different energy around the place, a lift.
“We’re trying to bring the Club together and feel like we’re all a part of something, so I’m very grateful for the reception I had, and the part that they played today."
Attention now turns to the final two games of the Championship season against West Bromwich Albion and Norwich City.
“We’ve just got to win the next game,” Ramsey added. "Then hopefully take it into the last game, results have gone against us a little bit. We can only focus on what we can control and that’s Saturday. If we can win that and take something into the last game, it gives us a chance.
“So much can happen in football, never say never, and that’ll be the message to the boys now is just to build on their performance today.
“Saturday we’ll probably be in a better place again and hopefully we can build on that.”