What Garry Monk said about Sheffield Wednesday's play-off hopes after defeat to Derby County

Asked by The Star where Saturday’s defeat to Derby County left their play-off chances, a frustrated Monk said he was more concerned at the here and now before reaffirming the need to look ahead to a big picture of change at Hillsborough.

He said: “I’m sad to say that’s the least of my focus. I’m just trying to get wins and performances.

“We’ve had two decent enough performances in the last week or so and then you get the other extreme today [against Derby].

“It’s very difficult to put your finger on it, whether that’s a lack of focus, concentration, attitude, mentality, quality. It’s probably a mixture of all of those things.

“But ultimately it is my responsibility. I haven’t been able to get that consistency out of them in this period which I was before.”

The gap between the Owls and the top six remains at eight points but with only 10 matches remaining and poor form rearing its head once more, Monk seemed realistic in his assessment of their play-off aspirations.

“It’s bitterly frustrating,” he said. “We’ll continue to work, I’ll always continue to work as long as I’m here, but that side of it is out of my control.

“I’ve said it many times, it’s my responsibility and we’ve not been good enough.”

The Owls boss has spoken a number of times about the need to change the culture at the club but appreciates he requires an up-turn in fortunes to be given the chance to steer that.

“The big picture is obvious, it’s not an overnight thing and it will take a lot of time. The overall aim is to get to that.

“I think anyone who can see what needs to be done, it’s not something that’s going to be done overnight in one window, it’s a bigger process than what people probably imagined right now.”