Key Points
- · Wigan Athletic manager Ryan Lowe gave an honest, no-excuses post-match reaction after a 4-1 defeat to Bolton Wanderers.
- · Lowe described the match as at times akin to "Sunday League," emphasising Bolton did not "rip us open" or cause significant problems by open play.
- · He apologised on behalf of the players and staff for the disappointing performance.
- · Lowe highlighted that while the scoreline looked harsh, Bolton's greater desire played a key role in their victory.
- · He acknowledged the goals conceded were "definitely avoidable" and the team needs to assess and improve.
- · The manager committed to moving forward without dwelling on the defeat, emphasising the need to learn and compete in upcoming games.
What Did Ryan Lowe Say About Wigan's Performance Against Bolton?
As reported by Ryan Lowe on Wigan Athletic’s official website and covered by Gary Charles of The Bolton News, Wigan Athletic’s manager gave a frank assessment following the 4-1 loss to Bolton Wanderers on the 20th of September, 2025.
Ryan Lowe said, “I thought I was watching Sunday League at one point,” reflecting his disappointment at the overall quality and organisation on the pitch. However, he added, “They didn't open us up, they didn't rip us up, they didn't cause us problems,” suggesting that Bolton’s victory was not because of the Latics being defensively torn apart by open play but rather other factors such as desire and individual errors.
Lowe was honest in his critique: “The goals are definitely avoidable. To start the way we did wasn’t good enough.” He indicated that the mistakes leading to conceding goals were under the team's control and they must improve defensively moving forward.
How Did Lowe Describe the Nature of the Defeat?
In an interview covered by Wigan Today, Lowe stated, “I don’t think we got ripped open as many times as the scoreline suggests. You look at the scoreline and think 4-1, but it was more desire from them to go and get the goals.” This comment points to a recognition that Bolton Wanderers showed more hunger and perhaps took more chances, which influenced the eventual 4-1 outcome [Wigan Today].
Apologising on behalf of his players and staff, Lowe admitted, “It’s disappointing, and I apologise on behalf of the players and staff,” underscoring his accountability as the team’s leader even in setbacks.
What Are Lowe’s Plans Moving Forward After the Defeat?
Ryan Lowe expressed a forward-looking attitude post-match: “We can’t dwell on it too much. We’ve got to go again,” urging the squad and staff to focus on learning from the defeat rather than getting stuck on the negative result.
He conveyed a message of resilience to his players and fans alike, hoping the side can represent the town with pride in future fixtures, especially against rivals.
How Did Media and Fans React to Lowe’s Comments?
Several media outlets echoed Lowe’s no-excuse stance and emphasis on team responsibility rather than blaming the opposition’s dominance. Wigan Today highlighted his honest post-match verdict, emphasising his straightforward approach with fans and critics.
Social media reactions to Lowe’s remarks noted the manager’s willingness to admit errors and hold his team accountable rather than pointing fingers externally.