Less is more in the numbers game for Blues boss Clotet
WHO knows how long it will last, but for now, the minimalist approach is working well for Birmingham City under Pep Clotet.
Charged by the Blues’ hierarchy with implementing “a fresh and modern footballing philosophy” following Garry Monk’s summer departure, the secret to Clotet’s success so far has actually been to stick to what the players know.
The back-three experiment was ditched for the win against Stoke when Clotet reverted to the same conventional 4-4-2 favoured by Monk.
Whatever system has been deployed by the Spaniard, who has collected ten points from his first six games to leave Blues outside the play-off places on goal difference, old habits have tended to die hard when it comes to possession. Only relegated Rotherham completed
fewer passes than Monk’s Blues last season. This time round, Blues are just as shy on the ball.
Neil Harris’ Millwall (38.1) are the only team with a lower average possession count than Blues (41.0).
In the recent 3-0 defeat at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea enjoyed 74 per cent possession and boasted nearly three times as many passes as the visitors.
When they have had the ball, Blues have been wasteful. Only Wigan, Cardiff and Millwall have lower pass success rates than Clotet’s men.
Consequently, Blues are creating fewer chances and even fewer shots at goal. They have averaged 8.8 shots per game, the secondlowest in the Championship. Their average of 2.7 shots on target per game is also the second-lowest in the division.
Not that a lack of efforts at goal has hampered second-placed Charlton – Blues’ next opponents on Saturday – who have the lowest average shots-per-game tally of any team in the second tier.
You can prove almost anything with stats. The only figure foremost in Clotet’s mind right now is the points column and in that respect, things are pretty healthy.
It’s far too early in the new campaign to get carried away with number-crunching, but trends are emerging that appear to underpin a game-plan under Clotet that isn’t all that different to Monk’s. Clotet wants his team to see more of the ball, to be precise and incisive, and to have the capacity to move the opposition out of its defensive shape to exploit the spaces.
He also knows that might take time. A school of thought borne out by stats because, as things stand, less is more for Blues.
Monk could look to bring Birmingham City coach James Beattie to Sheffield Wednesday.
Monk was installed
as
Owls’ manager last Friday and will continue to work with assistant Lee Bullen, who was caretaker when Steve Bruce left.
However, Monk hinted he would like to add to his backroom team and was asked about former Sheffield United striker Beattie.
Monk worked with Beattie at Blues, Middlesbrough, Leeds and Swansea, and even though Beattie remains at St Andrew’s, he has been redeployed by the club.
Asked about the possibility of a reunion, Monk said: “We will have those discussions. Of course, if there is a chance to bring in one or two members of staff, who know me and have worked with me and know how I work, we can hit the ground running as quickly as possible.
“It can help with time and I will look to do that. But right now, it is working with Lee and the staff and I am looking forward to that. I am looking forward to it but we will see what happens.”