Barnett and Ramis can control the rollercoaster – Wolves preview

Posted by JJ (Tony) in Match Previews and tagged with , , ,

The season has been like an uncomfortable rollercoaster ride for Wigan Athletic, with some ups but too many downs. The downs have been quite depressing, characterized by low tempo football with little creativity and defensive weaknesses. In terms of performances there have been two “ups”, with a resounding first half display in a 4-0 defeat of Birmingham City and remarkably a 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest.

A few weeks ago when the season started Latics fans would have had higher expectations of the clash with Forest. Last year Owen Coyle’s team beat them 2-1 at the DW to be followed up by a 4-1 win at the City Ground by Uwe Rosler’s side. Was this performance against Forest really an ‘up’ or was it really a higher ‘down’ than Latics have had in recent weeks?

It has been a rollercoaster ride for the fans above all. The disappointment of a draw and three losses in the first four games was tempered by two successive victories and promising activity in the transfer market. There was genuine optimism before the visit to Blackburn, but that dissipated following three losses and a draw in the next four games. The level of frustration of the fans was high and it led to hyperactivity on the fans forums and social media from the new darksiders, the keyboard warriors who wanted Rosler’s head on a platter.

Rumours were rife that Rosler was on his way out, but a show of support from Dave Whelan provided the German and his squad with the tonic they needed. The display against Forest was laden with the kind of physical endeavour that propelled Latics into the playoffs and cup semifinal some six months ago. It had been sadly lacking in recent weeks. Rumours about a divided dressing room and unprofessional behaviour from certain players were blown away by the chanting of “Uwe, Uwe” by the crowd at the end of the game.

Rosler will certainly be buoyed by the commitment showed by his team on Tuesday and by the backing of both chairman and fans. But then again, a football manager is above all judged on results. Latics will clearly have to start climbing the table or the manager’s future will be finite. Whelan has shown himself to be ruthless if he believes a manager cannot hack it. Rosler will surely know that.

An away game at Molineux is never going to be easy. Moreover Wolves are smarting from a surprise 3-1 defeat that broke an unbeaten home record in the calendar year. That it should be lowly Huddersfield Town who inflicted the defeat was a bit of a shock. But that Huddersfield’s star man was Grant Holt was even more so.

James McClean took the limelight against Forest with an all action display, but there were other players who also raised their games. The midfield was particularly improved, but the centre of defence looked more solid than it has done for weeks. In the absence of the injured Rob Kiernan, Rosler opted for the experience of Emmerson Boyce and Ivan Ramis, who teamed up well before Boyce had to go off injured at the end of the first half. However, the introduction of Leon Barnett in the second half made it look even stronger.

Barnett is a player who is tailor-made for the Championship division. He is rugged and competitive and is more than a match physically for any opposition forward. He is a superb header of a ball. His absence this season has made the defence more vulnerable to the aerial bombardments employed by so many Championship teams. Moreover Barnett is also dangerous in the opposing penalty box, as evidenced by his five goals last season. Latics have not looked so threatening this year from set pieces, partly through mediocre delivery, but also through lack of aggression of the big men thrust forward. Barnett has his weaknesses, his passing in particular, but after playing for two clubs that got promoted out of the Championship he knows the league and what is expected.

On his day Ramis is probably the best central defender in the division. Since his return to fitness he has become an ever-present in Rosler’s starting lineup, although never hitting his top form until an excellent display against Forest. He is a totally different type of central defender to Barnett, often preferring to bide his time before making vital interceptions and tackles. Few defenders in the Premier League can match the quality of his distribution of the ball.

Barnett and Ramis have the complementary strengths that can make them an awesome pairing at Championship level. They can provide the backbone that Latics need to gain that defensive solidity they have so far lacked.

For tomorrow’s game Boyce is out of the reckoning, but Kiernan may well be available. Putting a young central defender in the team when the team is playing well is one thing, but putting him into a struggling team has probably not helped Kiernan’s confidence.

With Don Cowie likely to be ruled out through injury, Rosler is likely to bring the more attack-minded Adam Forshaw into midfield. However, away from home he will be looking for defensive solidity first and foremost.

Ex-Latics striker Nouha Dicko will be keen to give Wigan’s central defence a hard time. It remains to be seen who will make up the central defensive partnership for Latics and whether there will be two of them or three. Following a promising performance with a regular back four, Rosler might well want to stick with that same formula. He will also have to decide whether to continue with his two natural wingers, Callum McManaman and James McClean, away from home. He has the option of playing Martyn Waghorn wide. Andy Delort and Oriel Riera will compete for the centre forward spot.

So what is next for Latics in this rollercoaster season? Wolves have come up from League 1 full of confidence and will provide tough opposition. An adverse result would most likely put Latics into the drop zone.

No matter what the result tomorrow the season still has a long way to go. With a central defensive partnership of Leon Barnett and Ivan Ramis long term prospects would look brighter. They can help provide control for that rollercoaster.

 

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Whelan helps Latics back on track – Wigan Athletic 0 Nottingham Forest 0

Posted by JJ (Tony) in Match Reports and tagged with , , ,
Dave Whelan's backing of his manager can help Latics turn the corner.

Dave Whelan’s backing of his manager can help Latics turn the corner.

“I was looking for a response and a reaction and I think the players delivered that. I am also happy with the response from the supporters and the chairman. He came into the dressing room before the game and was very positive and reassuring to me and the players.” The words of Uwe Rosler following last night’s game.

The German was right – Latics looked a different team than they have been of late. Although the result places them 20th in the Championship table, the fighting spirit has returned which, in time, will propel them back up.

The match programme notes included a comment from Rosler “Wigan Athletic is a club that thrives in moments of adversity – we have shown it for years – so let’s all go and put a real Wigan Athletic performance in tonight, on and off the pitch. “ The performance showed that kind of spirit.

Rosler made four changes from the team that played at Bournemouth, switching to a 4-3-3 formation. William Kvist came into midfield to join Don Cowie and Emyr Huws, with Adam Forshaw on the bench. Callum McManaman, Andy Delort and James McClean were brought in upfront. Emmerson Boyce and Ivan Ramis played at centre back with Rob Kiernan omitted.

McManaman looked dangerous early on, giving Eric Lichaj a hard time. However, in the 11th minute a wild shot from the American found Michail Antonio in front of the goal, some four yards out, but somehow he blazed his shot high over the bar. However, Latics were to settle into their rhythm, their midfield dominating possession and there were some promising passing movements. However, the nearest Wigan came to scoring was a spectacular volley from James McClean which went over the bar.

Boyce went off injured during the half time break and was replaced by Leon Barnett. The second half continued in the same vein. Shaun Maloney replaced McManaman after 58 minutes. McClean’s energy and drive had added life to Wigan’s play and on the hour mark through his hard running and persistence he found a way through Forest’s well organised defence. However, the ball fell to his weaker right foot and he kicked the ball wide. It was to turn out to be the only clear-cut chance for Latics.

Rosler made an attacking move after 73 minutes, bringing on forward Oriel Riera for midfielder Cowie. Forest had started to look threatening. Britt Assombalonga forced Scott Carson to a good save and Henri Lansbury drove just wide in the final quarter of an hour.

Despite being a goalless draw, punctuated by 38 fouls (19 from each side), it had been an entertaining game. Either team could have won it. Both teams had two shots on target, Forest from 9 goal attempts. Latics from 13. Wigan had 56% of the possession.

The Good

The tale of Dave Whelan’s eventful visit to the dressing room in the early days of Paul Jewell’s reign is etched in the minds of Latics supporters. Jewell was going through a hard time as a young manager, dealing with too many players who were not supporting him. The story goes that Whelan let the players know in no uncertain terms that the manager was staying and that they could leave if they were not happy with that. It was to ultimately lead to Jewell taking Latics to the Premier League and the League Cup final.

Whelan’s intervention this time around might well have sent a similar message. The result was clear to see – a team putting in a real Wigan Athletic performance. Rosler will be buoyed by not only the chairman’s support, but by that of the crowd. The fans present last night gave the team great support and the chanting of Rosler’s name at the end will surely have lifted the manager’s spirits.

The midfield was a revelation in comparison with previous matches. Kvist was a rock in front of the back four and the unsung Cowie had his best game so far, with an all action display. Huws continues to impress. They provided the link between defence and attack that had been too often absent in recent games.

The protection from midfield surely helped the defence which looked solid. Boyce and Ramis were a solid pairing in the first half and Barnett’s forceful play added another dimension in the second. He surely deserves a regular place. The full backs looked comfortable.

McClean was a livewire throughout, bristling with commitment. His unique blend of raw energy and willingness to run at the opposition defence added an extra dimension to Wigan’s play. McManaman faded after a bright start. Delort battled hard and put in some nice touches, although he was once again starved of goal scoring opportunities.

The Bad

Despite their effort and good approach play Latics rarely troubled the Forest keeper. In the long run they will surely be depending on the likes of Forshaw and Maloney to provide the type of incisive passing that can unlock opposing defences.

Forshaw has still not reached peak fitness and stayed on the bench for this game. Sadly Maloney looked a shadow of his former self.

Latics continue to pose little threat from set pieces. It seems to be a lottery who takes the free kicks and corners.

Player Ratings

Scott Carson: 7 – solid and reliable. With more players forward his long kicks were more effective.

James Perch: 7 – solid and hard working.

Emmerson Boyce: 7 – solid until he went off injured after 45 minutes.

Ivan Ramis: 7.5 – excellent throughout.

Andrew Taylor: 7 – solid and hard working.

William Kvist: 7.5 – strong in the tackle and rarely wasted the ball. Conceded five fouls but drew three.

Don Cowie: 7.5 – his best game for Latics so far. Full of commitment and running.

Emyr Huws: 7 – faded at times, but at 19 years of age looks an outstanding prospect. Tough in the tackle with good distribution.

Callum McManaman: 6.5 – faded after a lively start. Went off after 58 minutes.

Andy Delort: 6.5 – full of effort and showed flashes of skill. Frustrating when committing unnecessary fouls. Gave away six in total with just one in his favour.

James McClean: 8 – surely his best performance in a Wigan shirt.

Substitutes:

Leon Barnett: 7 – full of power and authority in defence.

Shaun Maloney: – tried hard, but could not impose his mark on the game.

Oriel Riera: – came on after 73 minutes.

 


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Alarm bells sound for Latics – Bournemouth 2 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted by JJ (Tony) in Match Reports and tagged with ,

“Overall, I feel personally embarrassed to the chairman and to the supporters that we as a group can’t deliver better results at this time. We’re lacking confidence; we’re lacking Championship qualities in certain units of the pitch, in power, strength and confidence to move the ball quickly.”

The words of Uwe Rosler following a limp and lifeless performance. The alarm bells are now truly sounding for Latics. Despite having a squad that can match any in the division Wigan have won only two league games out of nine and lie only three points above the drop zone.

Once again Rosler surprised us with his team selection. Andrew Taylor was brought back to facilitate a move back to 3-5-2, with Emyr Huws replacing William Kvist in midfield. But it was the choice of Marc-Antoine Fortune and Martyn Waghorn as the two forwards that left fans perplexed. The names of neither McManaman nor McClean appeared on the teamsheet.

Bournemouth looked like the team that was going to win all the way through. What we saw from Latics was a continuation of the sterile football we have seen too often in recent weeks. There was minimal movement off the ball, with soulless possession football typically terminated by a long hoof. Once more goalkeeper Carson conceded possession to the opposition through his long punts to opposing defenders.Several times Carson was to find a nearby teammate from a goal kick, only for the ball to be passed back for him for to hoof it upfield. Was he acting under orders?

It was not a surprise when Bournemouth opened the scoring after 36 minutes when dangerous  winger Francis crossed for Kermorgant outmuscle Rob Kiernan to put the ball past Carson. Wigan went into the half time break looking like a team that did not have the desire or belief to get themselves back into the game. Was Rosler going to shake things up with a couple of half time substitutions?

The answer was to be no and Latics continued after the break in the same manner. Rosler finally made substitutions in the 66th minute, bringing on Leon Barnett for the injured Kiernan, with Oriel Riera replacing Waghorn. It was no surprise when Bournemouth got their second four minutes later, Francis finishing off a good move. Andy Delort came on for Ivan Ramis after 75 minutes, as Wigan played with three upfront. Delort had a good 30 yard free kick well saved near the end, but it was not to be Wigan’s day.

The Good

Barnett finally made it on to the pitch. Most fans would argue he should have been on from the start. Adam Forshaw got another 90 minutes under his belt.

The Bad

The social media and fan forums are teeming with rumours that there are divisions within the Latics camp. The name of McClean is prominent.

There is a general lack of confidence in the squad following a series of bad results, but the way the team played at Bournemouth suggests the problems are more deep-rooted.

Whatever the problems are, they need to be resolved soon. Thoughts of promotion are quickly drifting away.

Player Ratings

Carson – Boyce, Ramis, Kiernan – Perch, Cowie, Huws, Forshaw, Taylor – Waghorn, Fortune – all 4/10.

Substitutes: Barnett, Riera, Delort.

 

 

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A touch of steel needed at Bournemouth

Posted by JJ (Tony) in Other and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , ,

steel2

“…..Don’t be surprised if one or two players who have not played much for us in the last weeks maybe will start on Saturday.”

The words of Uwe Rosler ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Bournemouth.

Rosler is ready to shake things up, following displays seemingly lacking in commitment. With just one point from the last three games the team is short of confidence. On Monday Latics allowed themselves to be bullied off the ball by an Ipswich side that was there to get a result at all costs. Put simply it was the lack of steel that lost Latics the game.

Gone are the days when Latics had a combative midfield. Lee Cattermole and Wilson Palacios were a pair to be feared in the Steve Bruce era, both rugged tacklers but possessing no mean level of skill. The ultra-competitive Michael Brown provided back up. Palacios had already gone to Tottenham when Roberto Martinez arrived. Cattermole was one of the first to depart before the new season started. However, Hendry Thomas was to arrive and Martinez use the steely Honduran in front of the back four. Thomas was successful for a while in the Makelele role, winning the ball and laying off simple passes. However, the emergence of James McCarthy saw Thomas lose his place. McCarthy was more mobile, not only strong in the tackle but adept at making interceptions. Together with James McArthur he formed a central midfield partnership that could compete on an even keel with the best that the Premier League could offer.

Midfield has been a problematic area so far this season. The loss of the excellent McArthur was a body blow for Rosler. In the absence of Chris McCann and Ben Watson through long-term injury, new players have been brought in and they have found it difficult to gel into a compact unit. Two of the three who played against Ipswich – Adam Forshaw and William Kvist – were recent signings, still short of match fitness.

Last season Rosler’s preferred midfield trio was that of McArthur, McCann and Watson. All hard working, forceful in the tackle and strong technically. Sadly McArthur has gone and it is going to take weeks before the other two will be fit enough to compete for a place. Moreover both suffered serious injuries and one can never be sure that a player can get back to the same level following a long recuperation.

Rosler has brought experience into the midfield through his signing of the 29 year old William Kvist and the 31 year old Don Cowie. Both players are strong defensively, with high work rates. However, they have their limitations going forward. However, Rosler has clearly made a good investment in younger players. The 19 year old Emyr Huws can play in either a holding role or further forward. He has a superb technique and is strong in the tackle. Adam Forshaw, aged 22, made his first start against Ipswich. Not having played a full game since May, he looked out of touch in the first half, but rallied in the second when he switched to a more central role. Some have likened his style to that of Jack Wilshere, through his ability to constantly receive and run with the ball. In the closing minutes he put through a couple of exquisitely timed passes to split a stubborn Ipswich rearguard. He looked the part in those closing minutes.

Rosler’s preferred midfield over the coming weeks could well be a trio of Forshaw and Huws, together with either Cowie or Kvist. However, given the need to inject energy and steel into Latics’ play, will he give a first start to Roger Espinoza?

James Tavernier could well start tomorrow. Rotherham fans will tell you that Tavernier’s strength is in going forward, not in his defending. For that reason he is more likely to be used as a wing back, rather than a full back. Would Rosler be willing to “rest” James Perch to bring Tavs in? Most fans will hope that he will not play Perch at left back again. The other possibility is to put Tavernier into midfield.

Oriel Riera looked lively after coming on in the second half against Ipswich and will probably take the centre forward spot from Andy Delort. Rosler will be hoping that Callum McManaman will be fit enough to play. Shaun Maloney looked a shadow of his former self on Monday. He needs more match practice, but it is difficult for Rosler to give him that time with the team struggling. Martyn Waghorn will be pushing for a place in the starting lineup.

It would be no surprise to see Leon Barnett return in defence, where his steel will add another dimension.

Bournemouth won 3-0 at Cardiff in midweek in the League Cup, breaking a run of five games without a win. The Cherries have won only one of their four home games so far. Latics have not won away from home this season.

It promises to be an interesting contest. Will Rosler be able to rally Latics into showing that touch of steel that is so necessary in the Championship division? If he can, then Latics could get a good result.

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Five things Rosler must get right

Posted by JJ (Tony) in Specials and tagged with , , , , ,

keyboard-warrior

It is less than a year ago since Owen Coyle left Wigan Athletic. The Scot was on a hiding to nothing when he took the job in July 2013. Not only was he an ex-Bolton manager, but he was expected to get Latics back into the Premier League in the space of one season. Expectations were high after the FA Cup triumph, following eight years in the Premier League. With their parachute payment, Latics had a clear financial advantage over most of the clubs in the division, plus a residue of players with a wealth of Premier League experience.

With the expectations of the fans and the owner weighing heavily on his back, it was a difficult time for Coyle. Results had not been meeting expectations and they were to get worse in December, when there was widespread disgruntlement among fans, fuelled by keyboard warriors on the social media. Successive defeats to Brighton and Zulte Waregem in late November were followed by a debacle against Derby County, soon after which Coyle’s departure was announced.

Some nine months on and the keyboard warriors are lively again. This time their disgruntlement is aimed at Uwe Rosler. It might be hard to believe after what Rosler has already achieved at the club, but some are starting to question if he is the right man for the job.

Following Coyle’s uncomfortable reign at Wigan, Rosler was to become viewed as the saviour. He took over a team that had been drifting towards the lower reaches of the Championship table and galvanized them into reaching not only the playoffs, but also the FA Cup semi-final. It was a remarkable achievement and it brought him widespread acclaim from fans.

However, within the space of six weeks Rosler’s star has waned. Latics are currently in those same lower reaches of the Championship table, where they were when he took over. They have won only six of their last twenty four matches.

Rosler has brought in nine new players over summer, none of whom have yet performed at their optimum. New players always take time to settle in, but many have been thrust into the starting lineup despite lacking match fitness. Moreover the pre-season training programme failed to provide the level of  preparation necessary for the squad  to compete at least on an even keel in the very physical environment of the Championship. .

Latics have so far amassed 8 points from 8 league games. At the same stage last season, Coyle’s team had 11 points.

With another 38 games Latics have time to turn things around. Physical fitness levels are improving and the new players are gradually settling in. Confidence is low at the moment, but Rosler has shown in the past that he can lift a team low on confidence. Rosler is a very capable manager who has a long term view. Like all managers, he makes mistakes, but he is honest and open and willing to reflect.

Wigan Athletic cannot even contemplate looking for another manager at this moment in time, as some of the more extreme keyboard warriors might infer. Dave Whelan would be wise to let supporters know that the German has his backing, despite the adverse results of late. The continued support of the fans will be needed to help things turn around.

Here are five things that Rosler must do if he is to lift Latics out of their current malaise and make them into genuine promotion contenders:

1) Build a team based on solid defence.

Rosler has a wealth of quality defenders at his disposal. Following his arrival last year Latics went on an unbeaten run of 6 league games, when they conceded only 3 goals, with four clean sheets. That is what is needed in the matches coming up.

Up to this point James Perch and Rob Kiernan have been ever present. Emmerson Boyce, Ivan Ramis and Andrew Taylor have played in 7 out of the 8 games. Latics have conceded only 10 goals in the 8 games so far, but the defence has looked ragged at times. On the 3 occasions when they have played with a back four they have conceded 6 goals. They have conceded only 4 goals on the 5 occasions where they have played 3-5-2.

Leon Barnett, a pillar in defence for most of last season, has appeared in only one game so far, coming on at half time against Birmingham. Neither Gary Caldwell nor Thomas Rogne have featured.

Rosler needs to decide whether he has the right blend in the centre of defence. The admirable Boyce has had a disappointing season so far, not looking like the player he has been in the past. Kiernan has had the ups and downs that can be expected of a young player playing in a key defensive position.

Given that so many Championship teams rely on aerial bombardment for a source of their goals it has been a surprise that the two best headers of the ball – Barnett and Rogne – have not made the starting lineup so far.

Rosler’s tactic of defending from the front through high pressing has not worked effectively up to this point, largely down to the lack of physical fitness of the players. Moreover he has a totally new midfield this season that has yet to gel. The end result has been more pressure on the back line.

2) Keep up squad morale

Rosler has built up a capable and well balanced squad of 29 players. Three or four of those are likely to be sent out on loan, which will give them more chance of playing time and reduce running costs. That still leaves him with a squad of around 25.

Rosler is an adherent to the concept of squad rotation, which he employed last season to a large degree. It was not universally popular with the fans. His critics would say that Rosler made too many changes from game to game, that he himself did not know what his best starting eleven was. However, the sheer volume of games that Latics had to play made a certain degree of squad rotation necessary. Moreover it meant that all players in the squad had a chance of getting on the pitch. This in turn produced keen competition for places and raised the morale of those who might not have been involved.

There are few automatic starters in the current squad. Goalkeeper Scott Carson has started in all the league games so far, but faces strong competition from Ali Al-Habsi. Callum McManaman has been in fine form this season and rightly has started in all eight league games. James Perch and Emmerson Boyce were regular starters last year and have remained so. Ivan Ramis seems to have shaken off his injury worries and is likely to be a regular starter.

However, fans have questioned Rosler’s willingness to give all squad players a fair crack of the whip. Fraser Fyvie had a good pre-season and has played well for the development squad, but has not played a single minute of Championship football this season. FA Cup Final hero and fan favourite Roger Espinoza has made just one appearance off the bench. It seems that they, together with Marc-Antoine Fortune, are to be sent out on loan, a signal that their careers at Latics are nearing an end since they are in the last years of their contracts.

The case of Grant Holt continues to give cause for concern. One of Rosler’s first moves when he arrived was to leave Holt out of the squad that travelled to Slovenia to play Maribor. Then in January the player was sent on loan to Aston Villa until the end of the season. Since he has come back he has been consigned to training with the development squad and he has not been given a squad number. Moreover his face was conspicuously absent from the squad photograph taken a few days ago.

Holt has become fair game to those who want to take a pot shot at him on the social media. Much of it has been over his weight, but many fans have also perceived that the player never made enough effort to succeed at the club. By all accounts the player has shed his excess weight, but it appears that Rosler is unwilling to welcome him back into the fold. Holt is reputedly one of the club’s best paid players and is only in the second year of a three year contract.

The best case scenario would be for another club to sign Holt, but who is going to sign a 33 year old player that does not even train with the senior squad? It is a Catch-22 situation that Rosler needs to find some way to resolve. It certainly cannot help morale within the club.

3) Provide support for the centre forward

Like Roberto Martinez before him, Rosler prefers to play with one central striker rather than two. His systems rely on the wide players and midfielders providing support the “lone” centre forward. Up to this point Andy Delort, Marc-Antoine Fortune and Oriel Riera have all failed to receive the necessary support. The service from the midfield to the centre forward has been poor. Both Delort and Riera had good goal scoring records at their clubs last year, but unless there is a change in the way Latics play they are unlikely to score many goals at Wigan. Only one of Latics ten goals has come from a centre forward, that being Riera’s goal against Blackpool.

Both teams that achieved automatic promotion last year played with two strikers. Danny Ings got 21 league goals for Burnley last season, his partner Sam Vokes getting 20. For Leicester, David Nugent scored 22 and Jamie Vardy 16.

Many fans still hanker for the 4-4-2 of the days of Jewell and Bruce where striking partnerships such as that of Ellington and Roberts were the blueprint for success. But the days of 4-4-2 are largely over, with managers preferring to have three players in central midfield.

Rosler’s favoured formations are 4-3-3 and 3-5-2. In 4-3-3 the two wide players are expected to get goals as well as provide them. In the 3-5-2 system operated by Rosler he tends to play a target man centre forward up front, together with a twin striker.

4) Insist on quality football

Rosler’s vision of Latics playing a high pressing, high tempo game with rapid counterattacking seems a long way off at this moment in time. However, that is not to say that it cannot happen someday. It took Martinez some two and a half years for him to see his vision materialize in spectacular fashion when Latics started beating the elite. Martinez received his share of animosity from sections of the crowd through sticking to his guns and insisting that his teams try to play football in the style that he espoused.

Like Martinez, Rosler needs to show courage in sticking to his footballing principles and to continue to work towards his stated vision. Martinez was under the constant pressure of keeping Latics afloat in the Premier League, whereas the pressure upon Rosler could be even greater given the need for promotion before the parachute payments run out.

Rosler recently stated that Latics are a team that plays possession football. Given the hoofing we have seen on occasions it was reassuring to hear him say this. Martinez and Rosler have different visions of how football should be played, but both clearly agree that quality possession football is the way forward.

It is to be hoped that the hoof is a thing of the past, except in cases of dire emergency.

5) Utilise players in their best positions

Rosler’s team selection against Ipswich left Latics with an unbalanced look. There was not a single naturally left footed player in the starting lineup. A right footed left back linking up with a right footed left winger stymied the attack on that side of the field. The problem was caused by Rosler switching Perch from right to left back. He had Andrew Taylor – a natural left footed full back – and James McClean – a natural left footed winger – sitting on the bench.

Perch is a fine defender who has made a significant improvement to the attacking side of his game under Rosler. His strength is on the right hand side of the field.

Shaun Maloney’s best position has always been in the centre of midfield, although during the Martinez era he would often start on the left, but move inside. At 31 years of age and having had so many problems with injury, the Scot is not likely to thrive on the left wing.

In the latter part of the second half against Ipswich, Adam Forshaw was moved into the centre of midfield, where he looked a different player. Forshaw could prove to be the playmaker that Latics have sorely missed up to this point.

Callum McManaman has the ability to be one of the best wingers in the country. However, the lack of protection he receives from referees in the Championship makes one wonder when he is going to pick up a serious injury. Playing him wide on the wing makes him an easy target for unscrupulous defenders. This season he has revelled in the free role he is afforded when Latics play 3-5-2. Not only does it make him harder to mark, but it gives him more opportunities on goal. If he were to play in that position and stay clear of injuries he could well become the 20 goal per season striker that Latics have been missing. But then again is Rosler willing to stick to a 3-5-2 formation on a regular basis?

 

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