‘We might change tactics to go more total football’
Sunderland's defensive issues could force a slight change in style as the Black Cats look to build on a positive week at Burton Albion.
The Wearside outfit have been taken over by Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, and reached a cup final in the last few days.
A calf injury to Bailey Wright left Lee Johnson without a recognised centre-half for the second half of the Papa John's Trophy win over Lincoln City earlier this week.
With three defensive players playing out of position, Sunderland's formation took on a far more fluid approach in possession.
Wright is rated '50/50' for the game at the Pirelli Stadium and so there is a chance that Luke O'Nien or Conor McLaughlin could have to continue in an unfamiliar position.
Dion Sanderon is expected to return after being cuptied for the midweek win.
"We might have to look at our philosophy a little bit with the situation and adapt it," Johnson said.
"We might almost become more total football rather than that counterpressing side that we currently are.
"We've got a focus on the ball obviously, but our bigger focus is off the ball, really.
“The reason for that is so that we're able to give our forward players as much artistic licence and as much energy as high up the pitch as possible.
"So it's an offensive mindset, but it means there is a lot of defensive protocol.
"At times we actually got that wrong against Lincoln and there were times where I wasn't happy in the first half, where the opposition had too much time to build.
"However, on the ball, especially if you're playing full-backs/central midfielders at centre-half, there are different patterns of play and movements [you can achieve].
"You saw some examples of that on Wednesday where Luke was able to really drive out with the ball and became almost an attacking threat.
"You have Grant Leadbitter then, who just sort of becomes that covering player while one centre-half protects the space behind.
"Really what you're trying to do is accentuate the attributes of any individual, and at the moment for us that means having to be really fluid.
"The positive of that is we've got two results and the boys are going into the next one with a lot of belief."
Burton Albion sit bottom of the League One table but have seen their form improve considerably since Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink took over, with three wins from their last four games.
"I think it's a really tough fixture and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has really got them going,” Johnson said.
"I thought when he left QPR it was a bit early and a
bit harsh, and he’s back at Burton where he did an exceptional job before.
"I’ve watched some of their recent games and you can see in their performances that it’s going to be a really difficult game for us.
"They've players there that I know well from having looked at them at previous clubs, but also Jonny
Smith who they signed from Bristol City.
"I like them and think they're a good side. I think the league table in the short run is a bit false.”
Jim Rodwell has stepped down as Sunderland chief executive officer, it has been confirmed.
Rodwell joined the club in April 2020 and one of his roles was to help with the sale of the club.
Now that Kyril LouisDreyfus has taken a controlling stake, Rodwell has left the Stadium of Light.
Louis-Dreyfus’ takeover was finally confirmed by the EFL on Thursday afternoon, shortly after it was confirmed the FPP Sunderland loan had also been settled.
Outgoing owner Stewart Donald said: “Jim’s tireless work and calm professionalism in dealing with numerous bidding entities over the course of the last year or so has helped us achieve a very difficult task.
"Selling a football club is never straightforward, but to do so in the current environment has been especially challenging. I want to place on record my warm thanks for completing the task that he embarked upon back in the spring and wish him the very best for wherever his career takes him next.”
Rodwell said: “It was an honour to be appointed CEO of such an iconic club and I will always be grateful for the opportunity Stewart Donald gave me. I also want to thank the board and staff at SAFC for the support
they have given me during some exceptionally difficult times.
"It will always be a sadness that I did not get to experience a full and buzzing Stadium of Light as CEO – but the supporters who I have met during my time in the city have only reaffirmed what a wonderful support base the club is so fortunate to have.
"I am in no doubt that with control being transferred to Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, whose family have a stellar track record in football club ownership, those fans can look forward to a bright future.”
Louis-Dreyfus said: “I would like to thank Jim for the support that he has given me during the sale process.
"His integrity and professionalism have been much in evidence, and the good leadership he has displayed in maintaining the stability of the club during the Covid-19 pandemic should also be recognised. We all wish him well for the future.”