Pace-makers False dawns in the Premier League
Coventry City won two out of first three. Fourth, then relegated.
Middlesbrough won two of their first three. Sixth, then relegated. Burnley won their second and third matches. Seventh, then relegated.
Hull City won their first two matches Third, then relegated.
feeling. We know we’re capable of playing at this level. The thing that has really pleased me in the first two games is that we have won them playing in our style. You can only do that if you are brave and we must continue to be brave.”
So what is Huddersfield’s style? Much like Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, Wagner, who was his assistant at Borussia Dortmund, preaches a high-energy pressing game. He said: “We have played this way for 18 months, in the Championship, in the cups and now in the Premier League. We might not be the biggest dog, but we want to be one of the most aggressive.”
It takes a certain skill in the transfer market to strengthen a squad on a tight budget. Wagner has made the most of his knowledge of German football. Since last summer, he has signed six players from his homeland.
“We don’t have the money to compete,” he explained. “So, we look at things differently. We look at players and ignore the stats. There are players who might not have had a good 12 months, but you know, the 12 months before that, they were very good.
“Then there are players who played for teams that were relegated. Defenders who were part of a defence that conceded the most goals in the Bundesliga, like Chris Schindler at 1860 Munich, which puts others off.”
That model also applies to goalkeeper Jonas Lossi. The Dane arrived from Mainz after losing his place last season and has excelled.
“This is fantastic to be a part of,” said Lossi. “The atmosphere inside the stadiums, making history with Huddersfield, it has been really great so far. We know we are underdogs and we are happy with that. We will not stay unknown for very long, people will have taken notice after the start we have had, but that is also great isn’t it?”