Johnson: We need vision and cohesion against Dale
Lee Johnson says bravery in possession is going to be key for Sunderland as they look to start off a defining week in their season with a win against Rochdale.
A raft of injury issues has forced Johnson to slightly tweakhisphilosophyinrecent games, moving to a back three that utilises central midfielders in defensive positions.
The head coach has embraced the greater possession Sunderlandhaveinevitablyenjoyed as a result, but Tuesday's narrow win against Swindon Townemphasisedthedifficulties it can present in breaking down a deep-lying defence.
ThoughRochdaleareaside renownedfortheirwillingness to attack and play out from the back (they have scored more goals than any other team in the bottom eight), Johnson says their approach out of possession is likely to be similar.
He has therefore been working with his players on some 'tricks' to help them to be more incisive.
"They're very good on the ballbutthey'realso,statistically, they have one of the lowest PPDA (passes-per-defensiveaction) rates," Johnson said.
"Theysitoffandyouhaveto break them down.
"One of the things I spoke about after the Swindon game wastheneedtohavethosemidfielders who can change the tempo, play forward and have the attitude to that.
"The Port Vale game in the Papa John's Trophy was a great exampleofthat,becausewealmost took that as an extended training session.
"Josh Scowen had a great game that day because he did both parts really well, he drove forward and committed people, he attacked space, played forward and he intercepted.
"That'swhatwe'reafter,you need vision and cohesion."