On Saturday Charlton manager Lee Bowyer chose to play centre-back, Naby Sarr, ahead of club captain Jason Pearce against Leeds United.
This decision raised a few eyebrows as Pearce is a very solid defender and was left out of the 2-0 defeat to Wigan because of a slight knock.
However, the Charlton boss has revealed his decision behind his choice of a centre-back to The South London Press
“It was always the plan to try and go for it in the first 20 minutes, try to nick a goal.
“I hoped we started like we did against Forest, win the ball back higher – but we couldn’t get near enough to them.
“Then after 20 minutes the plan was to go three at the back. I’d watched a lot of different Leeds games and noticed they weren’t as effective against three at the back. They are still a good side, but they don’t create as many chances. So if we could cut their chances in half then it creates more chance of a clean sheet. Then you’ve always got a chance of winning the game.
“Thankfully it paid off. Once we went three at the back we seemed to get more possession as well because Naby and Tom were stepping in. When they are crossing it we had more bodies in the box.”
The way Lee reads a game before it’s even kicked off is extraordinary and we are lucky to have such a talented manager in our mists. He works so hard to have that talent about him as he watches an endless amount of games and clips to ensure we get the best possible outcome of the match ahead.
Bowyer continued
“I started with Naby because I knew we were going to go three at the back and he is more comfortable coming out with the ball. That’s what I said to Jason as well. I was honest with him, I’m always honest.
“He asked me the question: ‘Why am I not playing?’ He had done nothing wrong. But that’s why we have a squad, some games will suit certain players.”
It’s great to have players where we can use our tactical fluidity to our advantage, when we need a change in the game it normally comes off very well and I think we have a lot more Lee Bowyer masterstrokes to come this season.