Gary Rowett on importance of different partnerships as new one emerges
BY ALEX GRACE
Gary Rowett says his side need to create problems all over the pitch to avoid becoming predictable.
Speaking after today’s 3-0 win at Ipswich Town in pre-season, the Lions boss was asked about the importance of the relationship between Jed Wallace, Danny McNamara and Mahlon Romeo. Romeo has been edged out by academy graduate McNamara since his return from St Johnstone in January and he has formed a good partnership with Wallace.
“I think you need to create problems in different ways,” said Rowett. “If you become too predictable down one side of the pitch then teams defend well down that side and they then make it difficult for you to open the game up in that way.
“We need to be a more balanced team, we spoke about it, we have to have good energy, we really have to be prepared to run as a team and outrun opponents at times. What you then hope is that you’ve got some good players that can give you quality.
“If you look at the starting team today, Scott Malone scores goals, Bennik scores goals, Jed scores goals, Sav scores goals and we need more goals from other areas. Set pieces, today not so much but we have looked strong. We did score with one, a short one. It’s an area we need to add Coops, Hutchy, Pearcy, Muzza, Dan Ballard, they need to score four or five goals each to get you where you want to be.”