McKenna: It's About Trying to Make as Many Good Decisions as Possible
Tuesday, 24th Dec 2024 16:18
Town boss Kieran McKenna has reflected on the error which led to Newcastle’s third goal in Saturday’s 4-0 defeat to the Magpies and says the mood in the squad is positive ahead of Friday’s trip to Arsenal.
The defeat to Newcastle was perhaps the most disappointing performance of the campaign with the visitors in charge from virtually start to finish.
McKenna says the display has been reviewed and the aspects which need to improve highlighted.
“We've addressed it and we've watched back through the game and had a look at the things that we need to do better,” he said. “And other than that, everyone's positive and looking forward to Arsenal.
“We know we've got a great next game ahead. Arsenal on a Friday night at the Emirates is a fantastic one in the journey for this group of players and for the club.
“Of course, we were very, very disappointed after Saturday, but everyone's now full eyes turned towards Arsenal and looking forward to the game.”
Asked for his thoughts on individual errors of the type which led to the Magpies’ third goal on Saturday, Jens Cajuste losing possession to Bruno Guimaraes on the edge of the box after receiving a pass from Aro Muric, McKenna said: “It's about trying to make as many good decisions as possible. It's not necessarily about being brave or risk averse or anything like that, it’s trying to make the best decisions in the situation.
“We've done that at different times this season. The third goal on Saturday, maybe it wasn't the best decision in the situation, but that's not about bravery or risk. “We feel like phases of the game where we're pressing higher or we're building out from the back, when we execute well at the right times, we don't see either of those things as being particularly risky situations.
“But if we don't make the right decision at the right time, then that's when more risk comes into it.
“It's about trying to develop the group, educating the players on different moments of the game and different situations, and what is the most appropriate decision to make in each situation.
“And then it's about working with them in that process because they're human beings, they're not going to get every judgement right in the level that we're operating at, the time and the margins to make your decisions are so, so, so fast.
“So, it's always easy in hindsight to look at a situation and correct what was done at the time.
“But it's also important to remember that these are split-second decisions and just work with the individuals to make the most appropriate decision at the right time as often as possible.”
Quizzed on _Match of the Day_’s criticism of left-back Leif Davis regarding his positioning ahead of Newcastle’s opening goal in the 25th second on Saturday, the Blues boss said: “I haven't seen it. I think it's natural if you concede, any team in the world, whether it's us or Man City or Barcelona, if you concede a goal someone can always pick something out about the goal in isolation and discuss it.
“And if you're a team who have come into the Premier League after two promotions in a row, you're going to concede some goals and someone can always be picked out.
“Leif knows what he has to work on and what he's still trying to improve. He knows what he's doing well. He knows where he's at.
“He's a really important player for us. He's someone we support and we want to keep helping and developing, and I think he's doing that very well. I think he's in the same boat as the rest of the players.”
_Photo: TWTD_
Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.
You need to [login](/login/) in order to post your comments