Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl has begun to outline some of his transfer plans for the upcoming window, including clarity on who may be on the move out of the club, when speaking with The Star.
The German has looked to provide clarity to fans as he seeks to take advantage of his first opportunity to make changes to the squad at Hillsborough. The newly-promoted Championship side have begun to pick up their form, having earned back-to-back wins in the league for the first time this season following their victory against Stoke City at the weekend.
However, more changes may need to be made in the near future if they are to stay in the second tier. With a new head of recruitment, Kevin Beadell, being appointed to the club, it seems evident that the Yorkshire outfit are already taking steps towards bolstering their squad, which may mean some players are moved out to make room for new blood.
“We have games to go, and in these games, anything can happen,” the 34-year-old told The Star. “But for sure we have had to start to have some not easy talks about the future. I have a clear mindset and will always be very honest with them. If I see a potential in them, then I let them know; if I have a feeling that it might be difficult for them in the second half of the season, then it is my job to tell them.”
“Then it’s about looking at the situation, what can happen, if there is a player who wants to play more, then we sit together and find a solution. It could be that it’s a player who is a good player but is not so good for my style of football, then it’s also about talking with them and giving advice that might be hard. I have started these talks and will do this for the next weeks,” he added.
Although the former Southampton and Bayern Munich head coach has admitted to talking to some of his players about the future, he also made sure to specify that all conversations are simply initial talks, and players can still change his mind.
“We have games to go until January, and it is important that everybody is ready to play. I cannot say players are out; maybe in the next week’s somebody is in because we need them. This is the balance.
“I have to think the players understand. Everybody has given us good feedback because they like the way we play football and this is important. We will see in January what we can do and see what is best for the club and for the players as well.”
Since coming into the club, Rohl has given supporters hope of survival – their xG stats, which we published earlier this week, suggest they’re on course to pick up as well. However, The Owls, who currently sit 23rd in the table, travel to Carrow Road this evening in a bid to bridge the gap between themselves and Huddersfield in 21st.
Writer’s View
Sheffield Wednesday already have a large squad, and if they wish to make additions in January, then that will likely mean some players moving on. The way the German seems to be handling the situation is highly commendable.
The former Bayern Munich assistant is making sure to have conversations early so players know where they stand, but also ensuring there’s still an opportunity to impress and earn a place in the squad from February onwards.
