Whittingham reveals how low-in-confidence Pompey can rectify their attacking issues
POMPEY need to start being braver when attacking if they're to remedy their problem of not being able to score from open play.
That’s the verdict of Blues legend and former manager Guy Whittingham, speaking after Saturday's loss to Doncaster Rovers.
Kenny Jackett's side lacked creative sparked yet again in the 1-0 defeat against the Yorkshire outfit – a growing concern amid an underwhelming start to the League One season.
Despite having attack-minded players in Ronan Curtis, Marcus Harness, John Marquis, Ellis Harrison, Michael Jacobs and Ryan Williams, the Blues have only looked convincing going forward against Burton in their opening six league matches.
It's something that Jackett swiftly needs to rectify if his side are going to be challenging for promotion.
Speaking on BBC Radio Solent, Whittingham's been disappointed how Pompey's players are failing to gamble to get themselves into more dangerous areas.
The ex-striker and former Blues boss feels taking a chance and getting into better positions can be the answer to the Blues’ current problems.
Whittingham said: ‘I know Kenny Jackett sets up being hard to beat but Doncaster were just a bit more committed going forward.
‘You've got to make your own luck and be brave going forward – I just don't think Pompey are brave going forward and don't want to over-commit.
‘Whether that's the players or the management, who knows but they just don't anticipate things going forward. It seems easy for the opposition to stay organised as a defence.
‘Ellis Harrison started up front with Curtis on the left, Harness on the right and (Andy) Cannon through the middle.
‘I'd just like to see one of those run beyond the striker now and again to gamble and give the defence something to think about rather than every Pompey player giving it to feet because it's too easy to defend that way.
‘Pompey have got options. Marquis has scored goals at this level but players just need to get into form. Curtis, Harness, Williams - you need players in form. Pompey have got forwards but they don't look confident.
‘There was some good deliveries into the box. Callum Johnson played some great crosses in but the players aren't gambling.
‘That's why they're not scoring goals.
‘There's not a midfield player willing to gamble to see whether the ball is coming in, to make the run past Harrison in case he gets a flick-on.
‘That, for me, is where the main problem lies.
‘It's a fine balance between overstretching yourselves going forward and being solid at the back.
‘It's not easy during games when there's a swing of momentum the way the game is played, but I'd just like to see Pompey be a bit braver going forward.’