Gabriel Otegbayo opens up on Sheffield Wednesday development and reveals dressing room mood after Charlton draw
Gabriel Otegbayo scored his first goal of the season to earn Sheffield Wednesday a point against Charlton Athletic on Saturday.
Sheffield Wednesday centre-back Gabriel Otegbayo has credited manager Henrik Pedersen and his teammates for the roles they have played in his development this season after scoring in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Charlton Athletic at Hillsborough.
Otegbayo, who has established himself as a regular starter in the second half of this season, scored his second goal in Wednesday colours to earn the Owls a come-from-behind point against the Addicks, tucking home a second half equaliser after a mistake by goalkeeper Will Mannion.
Wednesday enjoyed long periods of sustained attacking pressure in the second half and went close to snatching all three points when Otegbayo, up from the back again, connected with Max Lowe’s deep cross, but the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international could not direct his effort on target.
Nevertheless, his second half leveller marked a key moment in his development, boosting his confidence levels even further. And with the draw with Nathan Jones’ side marking a 22nd start in all competitions since Christmas, Otegbayo has opened up on his progress, revealing what has been key to his development this season.
Otegbayo told Wednesday’s YouTube channel: “At the start of this season it was quite tough for me personally. But I have grown and stuck to the plan.
“The gaffer believes in me, the culture has helped me a lot. I am just happy. I am growing every day, learning every day and becoming the best I can possibly become.
“It has been great, to be fair. Obviously, the results haven’t been the best, we still haven’t won in a while, but you can still see in the games we are not getting rolled over. We are not losing, 5-0, 6-0.
“The games are so competitive. I am just learning. The senior lads are brilliant with me, always believing in me, and it gives me confidence as well to keep on improving and get better.”
Saturday’s stalemate with Charlton marked a third successive draw for the Owls, meaning they have equalled their longest unbeaten run in the Championship this season. Although their winless run in all competitions now stands at a whopping 38 matches, Otegbayo has saluted the team spirit and commitment inside the dressing room.
“The dressing room, honestly, is top for the situation that we have been in,” added the centre-back. “The gaffer as well.
“We have never really let outside noise dictate us. It could have been so easy for the lads to turn around and sack it off; nobody has sacked it off. If anything, people have worked harder.
“On the pitch it doesn’t look like that, we still haven’t won a game in a while which is vital in football, but I don’t think any other set of lads would ever be able to compare with this. It’s been good.”