Cowley’s full of praise for the job done by Corberan
LAST season saw Huddersfield Town finish fifth from bottom in the Championship, only five points clear of Wycombe Wanderers in the final relegation spot.
Even the most optimistic Terriers fan would have struggled to have believed it had they been told just a year later they would finish third in the Championship and be preparing for a two-legged play-off tie against Luton Town.
However, that is the situation the club are in now and head coach Carlos Corberan, as well as the recruitment work done by Leigh Bromby, deserve praise for the turnaround. Former Town boss Danny Cowley - who was replaced by Corberan - has nothing but praise for his successor.
“I think he’s been outstanding,” said Cowley, who is now at Portsmouth. “I think he’s done brilliantly.
“I’m so pleased for everyone involved with Huddersfield, particularly their supporters. I think they’ve found their identity again, recruited really well in the summer, recruited players from non-league [like] Sorba Thomas.”
Cowley suggested tactical tweaks had been important in Corberan’s second season at the club. Defensive improvements have been vital as they have conceded 47 times, compared to 71 last season.
“I think he’s [Corberan] probably changed the game idea a little. Still a little bit of that [Marcelo] Bielsa style in possession but against the ball they’ve been much more pragmatic, defended the space as well as the man and Carlos deserves a lot of credit for what he’s done and the likes of Jonathan Hogg, Lewis O’Brien and Harry Toffolo.”
LEWIS O’Brien has been tipped as the Championship player most likely to be a target of Premier League teams this summer.
The midfielder has been one of the driving forces behind Huddersfield Town’s brilliant season.
If the Terriers are unable to earn promotion through the play-offs, then they might face a tough battle to hold on to a number of their key players.
O’Brien is certainly one of those and, despite signing a new contract last year, the 23-year-old may look to finally make the step up to the top level. Leeds have been interested in the past, however, their top-flight status for next season is far from assured. If Town make it up to the Premier League themselves, it is hard to see the player wanting to leave.
Experienced Football League midfielder Jobi McAnuff believes that, if the season ends in heartbreak for Carlos Corberan’s side, O’Brien is more than good enough to play in the top flight.
When asked which EFL players are most likely to be targeted by Premier League clubs, he said: “I’m going to go with Lewis O’Brien, he’s probably not a household name but he’s a midfielder who, for me, has been a massive part of that Huddersfield team.
“He’s only 23 years of age but he’s had four real good, solid seasons now at this level and he’s really, really developing.