Ahead of the early kick-off at home to Wigan Athletic, the Michael Skubala match preview was very much about how to manage the players in a large squad who are not getting game time, and the relevance or otherwise of statistics.
GET INVOLVED: You can get involved with our Lincoln City v Wigan Athletic Match Thread! Also, have a go at both of the quizzes below (click the graphics).
Squad Management: MS takes the view that throughout the season everyone will be needed at some point due to the natural attritional nature of the game. There are lots of players chomping at the bit to show what they can do. The players will be pushed hard in training in conjunction with utilising ‘behind closed door’ friendlies to keep the squad bubbling. The job of the coaches is to help the players perform and it is their job to train hard to grab a shirt.
“No one’s happy about not being in the squad and no one’s happy about not playing. You don’t want them happy, but it’s up to them to show me that in the week; how hard they want to train, how hard they want to be part of the team. I think that’s what makes a healthy environment”.
Statistical Relevance: MS responded to the early season statistics including that the Imps have the lowest possession rate alongside Wrexham, contrasted by having the highest (goal) conversion rate. MS explained that all of the statistics of the game are looked at, not only short term per individual game, but long term with a view to monitoring team development on the basis it is incumbent to keep improving. At this stage of the season, it is a small sample size anyway and more importantly, context is key.
“We look at all stats (sic) but in the same sense we have to take it within context and who we’ve played and how we’ve played the game”.
MS explained that for example, it may be a game-specific ploy to sit off teams in order to exploit them. In all cases it is about the specific game model and what the Imps want to achieve that is most important.
Whilst looking across all game statistics some like XG and possession provide some information but not the full picture that truly matters.
“Of course we want the ball, of course we do, but I want to hurt them as well”.
Beyond pure possession, there are other subcategories such as the number of shots, box entries and crosses. Without giving anything away there are a couple of statistical areas that MS does pay very close attention to and considers considerably relevant.
Wigan Athletic: The Latics are a really dangerous, good team who are exceptionally well-coached. MS likes the way they play and their expansive brand of football. Last week they blew Bristol Rovers away, being far too superior for them. Not having a points deduction this season, MS expects a truer reflection of their league status this season.
“But we’re at home and we want to take the game to them”. As always that and the three points are the aim.
George Wickens will definitely miss the game (hopefully just the Wigan fixture) due to the concussion protocol. JJ McKiernan is also a doubt having been quite poorly with an undisclosed illness.
Writer: hulloutpost
Thank you to Chris Vaughan for the photograph!
Skubala: “We’re at home and we want to take the game to them.”https://t.co/E80AJfVnC2#WeAreImps #WAFC #SkyBetLeagueOne #EFL
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) September 21, 2024
