Huddersfield Town

- David Wagner reviews the win at Nottingham Forest

- HTAFC Head Coach delighted with the performance

- Wagner praises Philip Billing, but calls for patience

“In my opinion, it was a fantastic game and a brilliant result. I think we did a lot of things right today, so I’m very happy with the performance of my squad,” David told htafc.com.

“We spoke a lot last week about what we have to do better, especially in our defence. We recognised that we get results if we get a clean sheet or only concede one goal, because we know we are always dangerous in our offence and able to score. It’s one thing to speak about this and another to bring it on the pitch.

“Defensively, this was one of the best games we have played together’ especially the second half. Nottingham only had chances from the second line and we blocked very well. 

“We were still able to score though counters and Philip Billing scored a brilliant goal, so I think we deserved this win. It was a brilliant day for us.”

After the full time whistle, David explained how he changed his team’s style at the half time interval with the Terriers a goal to the good:

“This comes from the experience that we have got together. 

“In the first half we played our style, trying to attack very high and create chances. We got very good chances and although it was an own goal, the creation of this chance was very good and Nahki Wells was waiting to score it anyway. 

“At half time, we said we had to learn from the last 10 minutes against Preston. We had to make sure our defence was very stable, we keep the game tight and then we could use our speed to try and counter – like Nottingham normally do. The players did it very well.”

The second goal started with a great example of Gegenpressing from Harry Bunn; something that delighted the German!

“The second goal, and the reaction in this situation from Harry Bunn, is exactly one of our identities. If you lose the ball, don’t give up; try and win it back immediately! This was exactly what he did and I like this kind of goal.” 

Unusually Wagner didn’t make any substitutions until very late in the game, which he explained post-match:

“That was because I had the feeling that tactically everyone was doing very well in the second half, plus they all had enough power. I didn’t want to make a substitution and change the formation or the atmosphere, as there was a very good harmony in the defence. That’s why I made the substitutions later than I normally do.” 

The Head Coach picked out several individuals for praise in the outstanding team performance:

“Joe Lolley was brilliant today. His defending was one of his best and when he has the ball, he is always dangerous. 

“Our skipper (Mark Hudson) gave us something stable in defence and I felt everyone was responsible for our defending today. This is something we spoke about before the game.” 

He reserved special praise for Philip Billing after the midfielder scored his stunning first professional goal to seal the win – but urged for patience when it comes to the talented 19 year-old.

“I said to Philip before the game that I was satisfied with his performance against Preston, but that he is able to shoot from the second line; he has a very good strike. This is what I missed a little bit against Preston and I told him to shoot if he had the opportunity.

“He did in the first half where he slipped, but he was brave enough to try it again. It’s his first goal and a brilliant moment for him.

“I think we all have to slow down with Philip. He is a talent and we are proud he is a player for our Club, but we still have a lot of work to do to make him the player I expect him to be. 

“He isn’t just a talent; he is a good character as well. He had to bring his performance to the pitch and he’s done it. 

“It was a good performance from the whole group; a very good team performance. This group makes it easy for Phil to feel comfortable and he’s getting the benefit.”