Gary Caldwell did not mince his words after Wigan Athletic were beaten 3-2 at Cambridge United in their opening League One fixture, admitting his side were "too easy to play against" on the day.
A difficult start at the Abbey
Wigan arrived at Cambridge hoping to signal their intentions for the new League One campaign, but they were undone by a Cambridge side who, according to Caldwell's own assessment, found it far too straightforward to break them down. The Latics conceded three times, and although they did manage to pull two goals back, the damage had already been done.
Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester after the final whistle, Caldwell was forthright in his criticism of his team's defensive shape and overall structure. "We were too easy to play against," he said, framing the defeat not merely as a result of individual errors but as a collective failing in how Wigan set up and competed across the ninety minutes.
Cambridge take maximum points
For Cambridge United, the 3-2 victory represents an ideal start to their own League One season. Winning at home on the opening day, particularly against a side with Wigan's resources and recent history in the division, will give the home supporters and management considerable confidence heading into the weeks ahead.
The scoreline suggests a relatively open contest, and Cambridge's ability to create and convert three times against an experienced Wigan defensive unit will be a source of encouragement for their manager as the campaign gets underway.
Wigan's defensive vulnerabilities laid bare
Caldwell's candid assessment points to structural rather than purely individual issues. Conceding three goals in a season opener raises immediate questions about Wigan's defensive organisation, their press resistance when out of possession, and whether the squad assembled over the summer is yet functioning as a coherent unit.
It is worth noting that Wigan did demonstrate attacking intent, with two goals of their own suggesting the forward line is capable of contributing. The concern, at least as Caldwell framed it, is at the other end: if opposition sides consistently find Wigan straightforward to play through or around, the Latics will concede too many points across a gruelling third-tier season.
Early days, but the message is clear
One match does not define a League One campaign, and most managers would urge caution in drawing sweeping conclusions from a single result. Caldwell himself will be well aware that the third tier is notoriously unforgiving across a 46-game schedule, and that the ability to respond quickly to setbacks is often what separates promotion contenders from mid-table sides.
What matters now is the response. Wigan's next fixture will offer a far clearer indication of whether the issues Caldwell identified on the opening day have been addressed in training, or whether the problems run deeper than a single off-day performance.
The Latics will be expected by many to challenge towards the upper end of the League One table this season. If Caldwell's post-match words translate into a rapid tactical correction, a stumble on the opening weekend need not derail those ambitions. If, however, the defensive frailties persist, it could prove a costly start to the campaign.
For now, Cambridge United will bank three points and enjoy their moment, while Wigan return to the drawing board with a pointed message from their manager ringing in their ears.
Frequently asked
- What was the score between Cambridge United and Wigan Athletic?
- Cambridge United beat Wigan Athletic 3-2 in their League One season opener.
- What did Gary Caldwell say after the Cambridge defeat?
- Wigan manager Gary Caldwell admitted his side were "too easy to play against", speaking to BBC Radio Manchester after the final whistle.
- Was this Wigan Athletic's first League One game of the season?
- Yes, the match at Cambridge United was Wigan Athletic's League One opener for the new season.