After Rovers produced their ‘best game of the season’ in the 3-0 victory over Hull City, Tony Mowbray displayed his delight to the club’s media team, after his side managed to pick up their fourth league victory on the spin, which simultaneously ended Hull City’s 10-match unbeaten run.
“The performance today was huge because we built ourselves up prior to the game, with our preparation focussing on how to take advantage of the opportunity of teams around us playing in the FA Cup. We knew today was a chance to move up the table against a team that have done amazingly well over the past few months, with 7 victories and 3 draws from their last 10 games. We knew how difficult this game was going to be, and I’m delighted with the drive and commitment from the players, as well as the result.
“We talked, in training, about starting quickly and not giving them a moment’s rest, which the lads did brilliantly. What I do know about this group of players is that they buy into what you’re telling them, and you have their total focus when speaking to them. I’ve had teams in the past where, when you’re speaking to them, they’re busy doing things in the dressing room like getting massages or tying their laces and you’re not really in control of their focus, but that’s not the case with these lads. Our group is driven by some top senior professionals, which makes my job easier because all I have to do is guide them and they do the work they know is required of them.
“The performance was a good one, but there were spells, such as early in the second-half, where we didn’t come out of the blocks like we did in the first-half. It is difficult when you’re 2-0 up and have been as dominant as we were, to keep going. They, obviously, tried to get back into the game and changed their system by going more direct and getting a couple of strikers in the box. Generally, when that happens, you need to adapt, and I thought that, with their more attacking changes, we could probably afford to create some more space in order to find Bradley (Dack) on the transition more often, but overall, everyone’s hard work throughout the week, which carried on into this game, ultimately paid off and I’m delighted for them.
“My mind has already turned to Brentford away next week, following the final whistle. They’re still in the FA Cup, but regardless, that’s going to be a tough game away at a compact Griffin Park. They, like Hull, have gone through a transitional period which has led to a decent run. They went from losing their manager, (Dean Smith), to Aston Villa and having a poor sting of games, to not losing in their last 6 league games. Their squad is another which is packed full of talent who are capable of really hurting you, if you let them play their football. It’s a different test for us next week, but one we’ll be thoroughly prepared for.
“I’m pleased with the form that Adam Armstrong has gotten himself into because he works so hard off the ball, out on the wing. We all know that he’s naturally a number 9 down the middle, but he puts in an incredible shift down the wing in order to help the team get the balance right. With his technical and aerobic attributes, along with his speed, Arma is finally reaping the rewards, through his goals and assists, that his performances have deserved. Ultimately, the target for him is to reach double figures in the goals tally, similarly to how he did when I had him at Coventry, where he got 20 in that League 1 campaign.
“Jack Rodwell’s goal today capped off a brilliant performance. The quality, class and composure he shows is brilliant and he seems to be able to play at his own tempo and run the game from the backline. He’s doing exceptionally well, and we need to try and keep him fit and not tell him how good he is, to keep him motivated, hungry and believing that he’s going to help our team move forwards.
“Teams who are 2-0 down are always going to try and get back into the game, usually by knocking it forwards to a big man up-front, which they did in the second-half. They played with 2 strikers, they hit the ball directly into their forwards and looked for knockdowns from the likes of Chris Martin into Jarrod Bowen and Kamil Grosicki, mainly. Martin has a big frame and uses it, similarly to how Danny Graham does, in order to hold off defenders and bring the ball into play. They were a threat in the second-half and getting the third goal from Reedy, (Harrison Reed), was great for him and for the team because it settled any nerves. Reedy has turned into quite a fans’ favourite, which is mainly due to his work-rate I’d have to say. He doesn’t dance past people before releasing a beautiful cross or a shot at goal, he just works really hard for the team and I think that ethic of hard-work resonates with the people and the town of Blackburn, which is why they love him.”
Prior to concluding the interview, Mowbray was asked whether there was any scope for discussion regarding a potential permanent switch for Harrison Reed, before reflecting on the league table.
“We’ve had those discussions in this window. I don’t want to talk out of turn or put any pressure on the kid, but he’s a Southampton player who has ambitions to play in the Premier League. He’s got a new manager who hasn’t really seen him yet, so ultimately, these sorts of decisions will be made during the summer. We will be an option for Reedy, but at the same time, he’s a young guy out getting experience who wants to play in the Premier League, so it’s a bit difficult for him and his advisors to commit to Blackburn Rovers, when he doesn’t need to. He needs to continue to play and enjoy his football in order to try and help us have a successful season. After that, we can all assess the situation after he’s spoken with Southampton.
“We have to believe that we’re in contention for a playoff spot now, but there are some massive football teams around us and lots of games to be played. I think the secret is to not get carried away and to focus on taking every game as they come. We just have to concentrate on ourselves, keep picking up points were we can and see where the season takes us.”
