Jon Dahl Tomasson is delighted with the way Blackburn Rovers are implementing his philosophy in matches.
The Danish head coach had a few teething issues at the start of his reign as the team adjusted to a new way of playing. At the start, Rovers were very inconsistent, which showed with their record up until the World Cup break last year.
In 2023, Rovers have been a far more consistent outfit. They have not struggled with chance creation at all and have played some fantastic, entertaining football. The Achilles heel has been converting those opportunities into goals.
Against Middlesbrough, they produced a fantastic display, particularly asserting their dominance in the first half. They should have been out of sight by the hour mark, having spurned several great chances despite scoring twice.
WATCH: Elliott Jackson's post-match Rovers review
However, the nature in which Rovers are now slicing apart their opponents is a joy to behold. Their clever, intricate passes and overloads in the wide areas have become a symbol of Tomasson's style. 14 months in and there is a clear, defined philosophy.
Tomasson was delighted with the quality of football on Saturday, even if he wished there had been more of a clinical edge. He spoke about the players' bravery, singling out Hayden Carter's role for Szmodics' opener.
"I think it was an excellent game, a brilliant performance, I enjoyed it," he told The Lancashire Telegraph. "The only thing I didn't enjoy is that we weren't leading 3-0 by half-time!
"In the end, when you win, I can still smile although it was a bit frustrating sometimes. It was a great performance and the lads did a very good job.
"We are doing the right things, we have a very clear identity. Some of the players, the goals we scored, Hayden with the first one, the way he carries the ball into where it hurts, where teams play around you.
"He played it 'into the kitchen' as I call it. It was great to see and a great finish."
DOWNLOAD THE NEW ARTE ET LABORE PODCAST HERE
Interestingly, Rovers didn't have a summer signing in their team against Middlesbrough, though three were on the bench and two are injured. That is a testament to the development of the group that Tomasson has worked with for 12 months.
The best compliment you could pay the head coach and his players is that, to a man, they have all improved. Considering the lateness of some of Rovers' business this summer, Tomasson expects the new arrivals to take a bit of time to adapt.
"I think if you look at our last 16 games last season, we played excellent football. We have a very clear way of playing.
"I think we have done that this season. It's always better to have players in the building immediately if you have a clear way of playing football which we want here.
"It can take a little bit of time for new players to get up to speed and also the tactical things which isn't always easy if you're not used to playing the way I want to play football."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel