Ipswich Town v Sheffield Wednesday: Henrik Pedersen wants style balance as Pierce Charles impact explained
Sheffield Wednesday’s style of play has found itself under the microscope this week.
So much scrutiny has centred around off-field matters in recent months, with on-field struggles generally labelled a by-product of them.
However, as Derby County extended Wednesday’s winless run to 14 games under the Monday night lights, there were concerns and doubts related to tactics.
Wednesday were sluggish as they tried to build from the back and looked susceptible to the lightest of Derby probes.
A trip to Ipswich Town is on the horizon and the Owls will be facing one of the second tier’s most intense pressing sides.
Sheffield Wednesday’s style balance
Pedersen has conceded Wednesday are playing around at the back too much, but is determined to find a balance rather than opting for long punts.
He said: “We want to play, to break the first pressing line so we can step in. From here, we can speed up. But I think this is a place where we have to improve, we don't need to play four, five, six times. This is what we are working on, to be more effective in this part.”
Pierce Charles impact
The return of Pierce Charles between the sticks has been widely welcomed, although his skillset differs to Ethan Horvath’s.
A modern ball-playing goalkeeper, Charles’ presence has naturally pushed the Owls towards short passes out from deep.
Pedersen said: "Pierce is now back and he is a different goalkeeper than Ethan. With Ethan, we kick more long balls to push up from the back [and win] second balls. With Pierce, because Pierce has this quality he has, we also start to play.
"Now, we have to find the balance to not go direct all the time but we can also not only go short.
“This is the balance, to reintegrate Pierce with all his strengths, to find the balance so we are effective but also that we have good rest defending.
"We will work further on this but when you play Ipswich away, against one of the best pressing teams, it can be a tough one to play too many short balls.”
Henrik Pedersen’s vision
It is difficult to be judgemental of the side Pedersen produces given he does not exactly have an embarrassment of riches.
Realising his vision for a fluid and aggressive Wednesday side will remain tough until new blood arrives - but the vision is clear nonetheless.
He said: “We want to be an aggressive, compact team. On the ball, we want to develop a team who can be strong and effective.”