Questions remain for Mccann
As a general rule of thumb, Grant Mccann is not required to attend a press conference prior to midweek games at Hull City, so there have been no fresh thoughts from the head coach ahead of tonight’s crucial home game with Peterborough United.
It’s probably a small bonus for the under-pressure City coach that he won’t have had to field questions on his system and the members within it, particularly as it is a subject which has garnered so much debate, and largely annoyance among the fanbase.
Mccann’s interactions with the media have become spiky affairs in recent months, so much so the Ulsterman will no longer speak with a member of BBC Humberside’s reporting team.
Even with other colleagues, he is often on the defensive.
Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Huddersfield acted as an example of Mccann’s uncomfortable relationship with those tasked with asking the questions the fans want answering.
BBC Humberside’s Matt Dean, who was at the John Smith’s Stadium with David Burns, questioned Mccann on his team selection and his system change, with the City chief simply answering “no, that’s something we keep to ourselves, I wouldn’t come out here and say the reasons behind it, these are private conversations between myself, my staff and the analysts”, when asked why he opted to make four changes from the side which beat Middlesbrough in their last outing prior to the international break and with it a return to his favoured 4-23-1 formation.
The problem Mccann has and is developing for himself, is that there’s a defensive wall being erected by him and it’s only further creating distance between himself, the fans and those members of the media allowed to converse with him.
Fans understandably have questions about his system, the personnel he selects and why – and to simply brush it off as a private matter isn’t going to wash.
As manager, he sees the players in training each and every day, he knows how they are performing, what, if any issues are going on behind the scenes, he’s privy to levels of information few others are, and that’s fine.
Fans aren’t asking for the ins and outs of a player’s life nor their health and family situations, just a little more openness when asked certain questions would go a long way, and lift some of the frustration and annoyance aimed in his direction.
This is a fine group of players, hard-working and loyal, they give their all for the club, they’re doing their level best. Believe it or not, the local media want the club to succeed – and despite being banned by City since June 2020, and unable to attend any home games let alone access press conferences or speak to any club staff, the Mail have remained hugely supportive of the team and manager and that will continue.
Mccann’s defensive mindset can only have a negative impact and cause those conversations to continue. As it is, such decisions are now at the forefront and when Mccann speaks to the BBC after what we hope will be successive Championship home wins, one of the leading questions will surround personnel and systems and so the cycle continues.
Two promoted teams, two struggling for points let alone wins, lacking goals and confidence – this is a game City can ill afford to fail in.
Having made four changes at the weekend from the victorious side two weeks’ previously, Callum Elder and Lewie Coyle were both drafted back in as he reverted from a defensive three to a four, that’s despite Di’shon Bernard admitting in the build-up that he felt his team were more secure in a three.
Mccann’s almost dismissive attitude towards his choice of formation when quizzed, whether it be a 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, 3-5-2, 3-4-1-2 is only creating more questions.
Fan frustration was obvious on Saturday, particularly the level of performance from Josh Emmanuel against Boro and so too Tom Eaves, both removed from the starting line-up at Huddersfield.
He then revealed in his media conference that almost 30 crosses had gone into the box, and none were taken advantage of, but City were unable to get Tyler Smith into key areas in the first half. When Eaves was on the pitch, they didn’t make best use of his aerial threat.
It would be a surprise not to see Josh Magennis recalled. Will Tom Huddlestone be fit enough to start, probably not.
Emmanuel was harshly dumped on the bench on Saturday, and few would disagree the team looks a better unit with him on the pitch.
Victory won’t lift the gloom, the frustration or make Mccann’s Friday press conference much easier, but it will give the squad a much-needed confidence boost ahead of what looks a daunting trip to Kenilworth Road at the weekend.