Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Robins can reap rewards for bravery on ball – King
ANDY King has called on his Bristol City teammates to continue showing bravery on the ball after revealing an eagerness to play out from the back.
The Robins have made subtle changes to their style of play in the last month, with a desire to retain more possession in games and create better chances in front of goal.
Earlier this week, Tomas Kalas spoke positively of the tweak in tactics in a bid to entertain the fans, while admitting the players get more enjoyment from the game with a possession-based style.
Despite one win in the last five matches, City’s performances have undoubtedly improved in recent weeks, and confidence appears to be growing on the pitch.
That opinion was echoed by King, who admitted boss Nigel Pearson was determined for his players to stamp their authority on matches.
Speaking ahead of today’s clash at Fulham, the veteran midfielder said: “I think the bravery on the ball is something we’ve really improved on, especially in the last couple of weeks.
“We have tried to change the style in terms of ‘Let’s not go so direct and let’s try and play it through the thirds’. Obviously, you have to have the personnel and confidence to do that, and where we had a sticky spell around November and December, it got a little harder. As a player, you automatically want to minimise the risk of giving the ball away.
“So it’s an easier thing to set up as a team to go direct and that’s what we decided to do at that moment. But the gaffers come round in the last month or few weeks and said ‘No, this is how we want to play.’
“Probably from the last three or four weeks we’ve looked really good. We’ve picked up some positive results and, like I said, we can keep building on that and being brave enough as a team.
“Knowing there might be some mistakes that come with it, but on the whole, I think we are creating chances, we look like we’re scoring goals and obviously, having the ball for longer periods, we’re less likely to be conceding as well. So hopefully if we continue with that style of play, we can pick up some more positive results as the season goes on.”
The statistics back up King. During the 3-2 victory over Millwall, City enjoyed the majority of possession with 58.2 percent of the ball.
A closer look at the stats reveal City players had 695 touches in total, with defenders Zak Vyner (95), Tomas Kalas (86) and Cam Pring (78) sitting at the top of the pile. City also made a total of 514 passes in the contest with Kalas making the majority of those (78).
In the 3-2 defeat to Huddersfield last month, City had 54.3 percent of possession and made a total of 411 passes compared to the visitors’ 353.
Compare that to the statistics in November, where City crashed to a dismal 3-2 loss away at ten-man Coventry. Pearson’s side made just 343 passes during the contest, earning 40.6 percent possession.
The change of approach also looks to have benefitted goalkeeper Max O’Leary as he looks to take advantage of his opportunity in goal.
A closer look at his passing stats show why Pearson may have put his faith in the 25-year-old.
In his two Championship fixtures so far, O’Leary is averaging 37.5 passes per match with a success rate of 65.3 per cent. Compare that to Bentley, who averages 29.9 passes per match with a success percentage of 45.6.
Ahead of today’s clash, City are 15th in the Championship table, with Fulham up in second.