Ahead of the short trip to Peterborough United, Michael Skubala reviewed what the Imps had been up to during the international break.
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Training Emphasis: The players had been given a short break before work had been put into the principles of how MS wants the side to play. This featured looking at improving in different areas of the pitch; definitely in the final third where MS is looking for the players to be calmer in certain situations enabling better decisions to be made. Another area visited was how to break down teams in a lower block better. It is all about continually getting better, with the newer lads especially being on that journey.
Role of One-to-One Video Reviews: Ethan Erhahon had spoken in his pre-match interview about individual coaching input regarding in-game video clips, which MS was happy to expand upon. MS explained it was something that the coaching staff put great store by and as such great effort is put into that, with Dave Bridger taking the lead. All players from the youngest to the experienced want to improve including Ethan, who is playing really well but has aspects of his game to work on.
“First and foremost it’s holistic, how he can improve his game; and then how that segues into our tactical plan”; with nuances around that within a match day setting.
“We take pride in our player development”.
Availability: Connor McGrandles is training and available for selection. Ethan Hamilton is now back training on the grass, doing some ball work which is good to see but is still some way off. Reeco Hackett-Fairchild has had a small setback but nothing significant.
JJ McKiernan and Sean Roughan have returned from international duty at a late stage due to the travelling involved. As such they are definitely fatigued making it harder for their training to be managed over the next few days, ahead of decisions on their game involvement.
“That’s a different management challenge”.
Regardless, it’s fantastic to see those players achieve caps from a club point of view.
The suspension of Paudie O’Connor for the Posh game extolls the value of the squad depth strategy which has been applied this season. It is up to those incoming players to keep the skipper out of the team. Paudie remains a big loss though, in particular others will have to rise to take on the leadership role.
“I’m more than confident about people stepping in to do the job”.
Peterborough United Game: MS observed the Imps record at the Posh not being great in recent years, joking that people kept reminding him of that for some reason. Peterborough, a team normally around the L1 play offs, as a side are great with the ball and will dominate that facet at home. Their forward line is fast, utilising really good wingers and strong number 9’s. Their front four are top of the goals and assists chart within that category of L1 players.
“We’re not going there with any illusions, we’re going to have to be on our game”.
The Imps will need to go after Peterborough in their own right and MS has no doubts his side will be competitive. If the players can perform at their best, maximise their strengths, then he sees the match as winnable.
Writer: hulloutpost
Thank you to Chris Vaughan and Lincoln City Football Club for the article photograph!
Skubala: “We take pride in our player development.”https://t.co/9u6gZFFrNf#PUFC #WeAreImps #SkyBetLeagueOne #EFL
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) September 14, 2024
