IT could have been David Hopkin speaking about City.

“It’s a weakness of the team and it’s a weakness of the phase that we’re going through,” admitted Rochdale boss Keith Hill.

“It’s individual, and I think all the goals can be stopped – they’re avoidable.

“You’ve got to keep your concentration levels high, irrespective of which position you’re playing.

“When we’re in possession, I don’t want the players to be watching the game. I think we got caught cold, probably by watching the way we were playing.”

Rochdale have conceded 28 goals in their 13 league games so far – the worst record in the top four divisions.

On the flip side, their only tally of 19 is nearly double City’s. But like the head coach he will be up against at Valley Parade tomorrow, Hill feels they keep paying the price for switching off.

The long-serving Dale manager added: “We need to have stronger concentration levels and a stronger ability to accept the challenges individually when it comes to winning the duels.

“It’s difficult to accept, but, again, you’ve got to roll your sleeves up and carry on and stick to the plan. I think the way we play, 99 per cent of everything we’re trying to achieve is being achieved.

“We need to have stronger concentration levels and a stronger ability individually to accept the challenges individually when it comes to winning the duels.

“If I’m being honest, I think there are far too many goals going in per ratio of shots against our goal, and that’s been a problem all season.

“I’m reasonably happy with the way we’ve performed. From an entertainment value, I like to watch that football but I like to win playing that type of football but we have to stick to our plan.”

Dale have not won in five in the league since beating Gillingham 3-0 a month ago. They’ve won twice on the road so far at Burton, on the opening day, and Coventry.