David delighted with first home victory
- David Wagner reviews win over Rotherham
- Head Coach happy with reaction of squad
- Wagner previews Brentford game
Huddersfield Town Head Coach David Wagner praised his players for reacting well to Saturday’s defeat to beat Rotherham United 2-0 this evening.
“It was a great reaction from the squad after the result of Saturday’s game,” David told htafc.com after the final whistle.
“We wanted to correct some things tonight and we came into this game very well; we had three good opportunities in the first 10 minutes, although we didn’t score. We played well in the first half. We had a lot of speed and passion in our play and scored a wonderful goal through ‘Muzza’.
“After half time, we had some problems for 20 minutes. We came under pressure in this period because we were not good enough in passing and ball possession; we lost the ball too easily.
“Ishmael then scored, which made me very happy for him and us. I think we did the last 20 minutes very well; we were very relaxed in our passing and kept the ball in this moment. We could have scored a third or fourth goal.
“In the end, I think the result was fair. I got 60 good minutes from my time so I am satisfied with the performance and result.”
Miller’s goal was his first in 23 competitive appearances for the Club and David was adamant this is a new beginning for the powerful striker.
“I know that Ishmael hasn’t had the best time here in the past, but he was one of the players I spoke about when I arrived.
“I said it was a restart for everybody and he has worked hard in his rehabilitation. He is someone who can help us and give us something special.
“We talked about starting him tonight, because we thought about our defending from set pieces. In the end we chose not to and instead focus on our game. In the end we made the substitution to get a tall player in the team to keep the clean sheet when we are defending, plus Ishmael did well on Saturday.
“Today this was his second 45 minutes, he scored a goal and was able to keep the ball. I think he has to work hard on his fitness and to cover the ball better than he did, but I feel like he wants to develop and work on these things. I am very happy that he scored today.”
Wagner also praised the new central midfield partnership of Jonathan Hogg and Duane Holmes, stating it was the right time to hand the latter his first start in 19 months.
“For me, it was good; certainly the first half – but the 20 minutes after half time wasn’t good and they were also on the pitch in this moment.
“We had to make a decision before the game and we gave Duane the chance to play. He is an Academy player and sometimes you have to be brave to give young players a chance, but I think he did well in training. He was with us in Spain and did well too. This was the moment for him to get his chance.”
David made four changes to his line-up tonight and explained that he is a fan of rotating his team – if the circumstances are correct.
“I’ve said to the squad that I like rotation but it only makes sense when everyone is fit, in form, knows what we like to do on the pitch and get the result. Nearly everybody has done well who has been in the starting XI.
“Everyone has to bring a performance on the pitch, even if you come from the bench. Today the substitutes were able to give us positive energy and this was the reason that we brought some fresh players on the pitch today.”
Next up for the Terriers is Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship game at Brentford, to which David explained:
“Now we will see how we recover until Saturday. Maybe we have to bring more fresh players on the pitch and some quality from the bench.
“Rotation doesn’t depend on the result; it depends on who is fresh and who is not. That is no problem for me and I’m sure it will be no problem for the boys. We have to make sure everybody keeps healthy; it makes no sense to have players injured after three straight games and we have to be very careful with everybody.
“The quality of this squad will win games.”
Wagner is hoping to have Martin Cranie (thigh) and Emyr Huws (hamstring) back available for selection this weekend:
“Hopefully we will get them back on Saturday. I’m not sure if it will happen, but this is what my medical staff is working very hard on – night and day. Hopefully one of them, or both, will be back.”
