Oxford United defender Sam Long says he is ‘optimistic’ about the new season despite defeat in Aaron Ramsey’s first competitive game in charge.
The Yellows lost 2-0 to Leyton Orient to exit the Carabao Cup in the first round.
Ramsey’s men held out until the 85 th minute when Demetri Mitchell bagged a late opening goal before Idris El Mizouni doubled the O’s lead three minutes after.
It was the former Arsenal midfielder’s first competitive match in charge of Oxford, with the League One opening day arriving next weekend.
United began the game brightly but were soon prevented from playing in their new style thanks to the hosts’ pressing and man-marking.
“We need to be able to look at certain situations in games and adapt quicker," Long admitted after the loss at Brisbane Road.
"I don't think it's up to the staff all the time.
“I think we're within the game and…we're really experienced players in there.
“We should be better at adapting at that and we'll learn.
“We've got another full week on the training pitch to right some wrongs that we've done today.
“But I think if you look at the pre-season as a whole and today, I think we can be optimistic about this season.
READ MORE: Oxford United player ratings in Leyton Orient cup defeat
READ MORE: Oxford United lose to Leyton Orient in Aaron Ramsey competitive debut
“We've improved a lot within our structure and everything like that.
“I think we can take the positives, learn on the negatives and go again next week.
Aaron Ramsey says Stan Mills has trained on his own the last few days:
🗣️ "It was a medical decision for him to train over the last few days on his own to be able to re-join the group next week"#oufc 🟡— malachi (@MalachiObrey) August 8, 2026
“On another day, I think we win that game, but it wasn't meant to be.”
The Bicester-born right back is one of the players that was in the League One play-off-winning squad of 2023/24 along with other notable names such as captain Cameron Brannagan and Ciaron Brown.
In the midst of a transfer embargo and with the club having to fight to keep hold of their star players this summer, United face a tough task to get out of the third tier immediately after their Championship relegation.
“We've got a lot of experience in there; a lot of experience of getting out of this league," reiterated the 31-year-old.
🚨 Aaron Ramsey on Brian De Keersmaecker extended absence from the Oxford United squad:
🗣️ "Him and Stan were training back home and hopefully they can both join the group.
"They are two different cases where Brian hasn't played any minutes. Stan has.
"Hopefully now next week…— malachi (@MalachiObrey) August 8, 2026
“It's not going to be easy.
“It wasn't easy the first time we were in it and it's not going to be easy this time if we want to get out.
“I've got to be on my game and so has everybody else to keep their shirt because, although we're in an embargo, we've still got a good squad and there is good competition for places.”
The Yellows begin their league campaign on Saturday, welcoming newly-promoted, but heavy-spending, MK Dons to the Kassam Stadium.
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