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Jim Gavin at today's AIG Club Member Insurance Launch. Brendan Moran/SPORTSFILE

Dubs boss holds hands up for Donegal defeat - 'I accept full responsibility for that performance'

Jim Gavin admits there is sometimes a ‘vulnerability’ in their play.

DUBLIN BOSS JIM Gavin has held his hands up and accepted responsibility for last month’s All-Ireland semi-final loss to Donegal.

Dublin entered the game as heavy favourites but were toppled by the Ulster champions. Gavin has had time to reflect on that game and admits their attacking style of play can sometimes bring a ‘vulnerability’ to their setup.

“On a personal level, I accept full responsibility for that performance. And I accept full responsibility for the philosophy and for the way Dublin play their football, for the attacking style we play and sometimes for the vulnerability that it brings and the unpredictability of it.

“I’ve managed Dublin teams for eight years now and I’ve lost more than I’ve won. With this particular group, the senior squad, they’ve done pretty well. we look at it by competition so if you go through the National leagues, the Leinster competition and the All Ireland competition, they’ve won five out of six.

“So one result doesn’t affect my resolve or the players resolve. One result won’t change the core philosophy of how Dublin play football. But it’s been a learning experience, that’s for sure and it’s about trying to get that balanced approach in the future.

“The performance wasn’t balanced in relation to the game and we got ruthlessly punished by a very good team who exploited it. That’s for me to go away and learn from.”

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Fintan O'Toole
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