Michael Appleton provided some details about his coaching philosophy, particularly regarding young players, ahead of the Rochdale fixture this weekend.
You can discuss what Michael Appleton said earlier today HERE, as well as many other topics on our 100% Imps forum! We have also published a Lincoln City v Rochdale Quiz, which can be found just below the summary. Every page view helps raise money for Lincoln City Football Club!
Rochdale: They have been on a poor run but having watched footage of recent games that isn’t the full picture. In those games, they have created big opportunities to take the lead or equalise that haven’t been taken. It’s as difficult a game as any of the others coming up; everyone is fighting from top to bottom in a very tight league. “If we can get a win on Saturday it really sets it up for the next three games”.
Injury wise there will be no additional players back for this fixture but there is better news for Liam Bridcutt and Remy Howarth who have both come through part training sessions unscathed and will be looking to step up to full training within the next three or four days. There is a possibility they could be back in action before the Oxford game.
Coaching Philosophy: MA explained his approach to coaching, with particular relevance to the younger players. Naturally, there are facets such as training on the pitch, the team style of play that helps with making players feel comfortable and settle in. Beyond that, though it is important how people are dealt with off the pitch.
“There’s two ways for me. I like to give young players a bit of space at the right time and a little bit of freedom to prepare and do what they feel’s necessary. I think what is important is setting the environment and culture. If you’ve got the environment right in terms of how you prepare there’s a time and place when to step in and speak to players and there’s a time and place to either, whether it’s constructive criticism or to help them improve. I think we get the balance right here”.
MA referred back to the work he puts into all of the players clearly knowing their role and responsibilities when they come to the club with that applying to the loan players as well as the permanent signings. Provided there is a culture that shows honesty and humility whether people get it right or wrong, when that is addressed correctly, it allows the players freedom.
MA acknowledged that players are seemingly more mature in recent times which is partly down to taking on more issues like dealing with social media. However, it remains down to the individual to take on personal responsibility if they want to achieve their full potential and success. He gave the example of not forcing the players into the gym. They are told what they should be doing, how it will benefit them, but ultimately it is their choice to take that advice. If they don’t then progress as a player it is down to them.
On his touchline manner and dealing with the players when performances aren’t going well MA had the following to say. He isn’t one for shouting and screaming from the sidelines as the scenarios, pictures and patterns are already in the head of the players, having been anticipated and dealt with during training. MA wants to allow the players to express themselves in the right way and be mature enough to take that responsibility on.
“I can honestly say….in terms of losing my cool and being really disappointed and frustrated, once this season (with more than 40 matches played)…I can assure you there’s only been one occasion where I’ve probably lost the plot, is the best way to put it”.
MA clarified there have been other times when he has let the players know his feelings when disappointed or frustrated, but in a controlled manner. The players understand he is serious and not messing whilst understanding the message behind that approach. It’s important that players know MA has that side to him but it is not helpful to use that approach every week as it loses the necessary effect completely.
On Morgan Rogers: When Morgan scores a goal like the one against Ipswich, MA wants him to take his performance onto the next level again. He wants MR to score more goals and create further opportunities for his teammates. Against Ipswich that didn’t happen with him taking too many touches and losing possession in key areas. However, that is simply part of his development and over time the ability to take the performance on will come. MA is very understanding that Morgan has only played a handful of league games at 18 years of age. This is a great opportunity for him to experience what he is with Lincoln this year.
Ingredients For Success: “We’re going to need match-winners. My teams have always had match winners (Like Brennan and Morgan). We’ve had a base of players that are going to be there week in week out, you know your sevens out of ten, reliable and then you do need match-winners”
MA expressed his desire that over the next two to three years he hopes to get the chance to turn those players (match winners) from loan players into permanent players. That will take time and is not easy by any means but currently, there are lots of clubs that trust Lincoln with their player’s development.
Fullback’s Role and Policy: The personnel and role will vary on a game by game basis. In certain games, the opposition will have a certain threat that needs to be thwarted initially before a more expansive game can be implemented. In other games, the expansive approach can be deployed from the offset.
MA has known of Regan Poole’s abilities for a long time and in the last couple of games, we have seen Cohen’s (Bramall) electric pace and what he is capable of.
In any case MA has confidence in all the players he rotates in the fullback role, secure in the knowledge they know what to do.
Writer: hulloutpost
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Michael Appleton: "I think what is important is setting the environment and culture."https://t.co/0ymEG3cKeW#ImpsAsOne #ProudToBeImps #RAFC pic.twitter.com/qiyTY1sIHy
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) March 12, 2021
