Charlton boss Bowyer praises impact of ex-Addicks striker Hasselbaink at Burton
Charlton manager Lee Bowyer has done his scouting work on Burton Albion – and reckons they have improved under Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
The Brewers are bottom of the League One table but had taken nine points from a possible 12 before Saturday’s 3-0 home reverse to Sunderland.
Hasselbaink, who had a playing spell at Charlton, was appointed Burton boss at the start of January. He previously managed them five years earlier.
Bowyer’s side lost 4-2 in the reverse fixture in late November – with Burton then going on to collect just three points from a possible 24.
Bowyer said: “They’ve gone from a back three to a back four and he [Hasselbaink] has brought a couple of people in. They are more solid now. Where before they were conceding a lot they are a better side than the one we played before.
“He’s doing alright Jimmy, they’ve had some good results. If you take away the weekend then their only recent loss before that was by one goal against Ipswich. They have completely changed [their style of play].”
Charlton have failed to win their last six home matches – losing three – a run that stretches back to the 5-2 victory over AFC Wimbledon on December 12.
They are ninth in the table with sixth-placed Sunderland three points ahead. Lee Johnson’s side also have a match in hand.
“Some of the ones we have lost [at home] have been a bit harsh, but that’s the game,” said Bowyer. “We can’t change that now or control that. All we can do is put that right. If we get back-to-back home wins [with Blackpool visiting on Saturday] it puts us in a good position for the remainder [at The Valley].
“We’re inconsistent at the moment. We are good for a game or two and then we make silly mistakes and it costs us. But that can change from now on.
“The weekend’s performance wasn’t good enough. It wasn’t what we’re about – we were nervous in possession. They played the conditions better than us and competed better than us – especially second half. We didn’t win the second balls and normally we’re good at that and then our quality comes off that.
“They played the conditions better than us – it was a crazy wind.”
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