Oxford United defender Michal Helik laments ‘unhelpful’ transfer talk

The centre back returns to the place where he spent two-and-a-half years when Aaron Ramsey’s Yellows travel to face the Terriers on Tuesday night.

Oxford have picked up four points from their first two League One fixtures and will be looking to remain unbeaten.

Helik started the second game, a 2-1 win away at Stevenage, and looks ahead to the U’s first clash with Huddersfield since 2004.

“I’m really looking forward to going back to Huddersfield,” the 30-year-old said ahead of the third-tier match up.

“I spent a good time there. I met wonderful people.

“I can’t wait to be there and I can’t wait to get three points because that’s our aim.”

Whilst previewing the trip to the Accu Stadium, Helik was asked how the squad had been handling the transfer speculation surrounding certain players, particularly Stanley Mills who departed last week.

“It’s not really helpful, I would say,” the Polish defender continued.

Michal Helik gestures to Oxford United teammate (Image: ©Jason Dawson)

“The only thing we can do as a group is focus on the next game and the opposition and ourselves, how we want to play.

“It’s not on us to make the decisions about the squad and everything.

“We can only change things on the pitch. That’s what we’re trying to do, trying to improve every day on the training ground with the staff and the group of players we have.

“We’ve got a small squad and it’s getting smaller.

“I think the gaffer is doing the right thing, making it more competitive.

“Everyone feels like they’re going to play their part this season.

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“With such a small squad, we know everyone will be needed.

“Everyone will be very important and everyone has to be ready to perform.

“I think we’ve got a good group here who is really locked in.

“Who is trying to perform? Who is doing the job as they should do? We’re ready to go.”

A victory against Martin Drury’s Terriers would be a ‘statement’ against a team who have started the season well.

Michal Helik chases the ball (Image: Mike Allen)

“I think every other game now, every next game is a good test for us because it’s a different challenge.

“If we want to achieve our goals this season, we need to perform against any opposition.

“That’s a great opportunity now against Huddersfield to put the statement of what we are on about this season.

“I hope we’re going to get three points from there.

“I think that’s a massive thing for us to answer for everything that’s going on around the pitch and around the club, to answer positively on the pitch.”