Aaron Ramsey's methods spark shock among new players after Cardiff City time

Ramsey's intense training methods have impressed Oxford players like Dembele, who credits the new boss's approach to the club's strong start and personal form.

Oxford United winger Siriki Dembele has praised new manager Aaron Ramsey's impact at the club, describing his arrival as a 'culture shock' due to the intensity of his methods. Ramsey, the former Arsenal midfielder who took interim charge of Cardiff City late in the 2024/25 season, has overseen an impressive start at Oxford, with the team sitting seventh in League One after seven games unbeaten and just one defeat in their opening 10 matches.

Dembele, who has started every game under Ramsey, has thrived under the new regime, scoring two goals and providing three assists. Speaking about the transition, Dembele acknowledged that the heightened intensity was initially jarring but has now become the norm. He explained that Ramsey's demanding training approach was designed to ensure the squad was fit and ready for matches, with the overall intensity noticeably higher than before his arrival.

This is Ramsey's first managerial role in his own right, following his brief spell as interim boss at Cardiff, where he was unable to prevent the club's relegation to League One despite taking charge with three games remaining.