Head Coach disappointed with aspects of the game
Club News
WAGNER: WE LOST BECAUSE OF OURSELVES
12 December 2015
- David Wagner reviews Bristol City defeat
- Head Coach disappointed with parts of the game
- Wagner happier with second half display
Huddersfield Town Head Coach David Wagner says his side only has itself to blame for today’s 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Bristol City.
“I’m not disappointed with the performance today, but I’m disappointed with some parts of our game,” David admitted after the final whistle.
“I’m disappointed by the result, with missing chances, with how we defended set pieces and the first 10 minutes, when we didn’t do what we want to. In the first period we conceded the first goal, which was fair.
“I also saw some positive things in this game today. Our fitness has gone up and today we were able to change the game in the last 10 minutes, which was something new. Our substitutions gave us something positive, which was also something new.
“In my opinion, the second half was a good half. We said at half time that we must keep a clean sheet in the second half as it would make us able to get some points. We had good reactive pressure and good ball possession, but maybe we need more speed in getting to the goal; we took too many passes. We still created two excellent chances along with a penalty in the first half. If you miss these chances, it is difficult to win a game.
“I’m disappointed that we lost because of ourselves. This wasn’t because the opponent was strong or great; it was only that we weren’t good enough when defending set pieces. That was the biggest problem today.”
Both of Bristol City’s goals were headers from wide free kicks; something that Wagner said ‘will be discussed’.
“In the past three games, we have defended the opponent’s set pieces very well; today we didn’t. This is something we have to discuss.
“Mistakes are part of the game, but today we made too many and we have to accept that. This is something we can develop, as well as how dangerous we are at our set pieces.
“Maybe we are not the tallest team, but we have other weapons on the pitch. You have to make the decision to use them.”
Between City’s two goals, Emyr Huws had a penalty saved by Frank Fielding after Nahki Wells was brought down in the box. Moments later the Welshman went off through injury; something David commented on:
“Emyr had a problem with his hamstring; so bad that we had to make the substitution. I think he had this problem before he took the penalty, but I didn’t know.
“I wasn’t sure that Nahki wanted to take it after being fouled, as he didn’t get the ball in the moment. I told (Emyr) to take it, so in this moment we had a communication problem. If I knew (about the injury) before, he would not take it.
“However, this wasn’t the biggest problem today. It is a problem we missed the penalty, but after this we had 80 minutes and enough chances that we created to score. It was a big moment, but not the only one.”
The Head Coach admitted Wells and Huws may now struggle to face Rotherham United at home on Tuesday due to injury, but was keen to focus on the opportunity this could hand to other players in his squad:
“Nahki has a problem with his ankle; he now has an ice pack on it. We will see if he will be fit for Tuesday, but I don’t think Emyr will be. I am not sure in this moment, as I haven’t spoken with the physio team.
“This is exactly the period we have spoken about, where games come soon after games. It is perfect that everybody has been fit and knows what they have to do in the games.
“For me, it is not best to speak about the players who aren’t in the games; we must speak about those who are able to play. We will find a good 11 and 14 players for Tuesday.”
The fact that other players might be ready to step forward was proven by the impact of his substitutes on today’s game, David continued:
“Today Harry (Bunn) scored a great goal and created another few good chances. Ishmael (Miller) gave a very good assist for Kyle Dempsey for another very good chance.
“For us it is very important that our substitutions can change a game and make a difference and today was the first time we were able to do this. This is very good.”
Tuesday night’s game vs Rotherham is just £10 for adults at the gate!
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