New Millwall head coach Alex Neil has emphasised the importance of fully assessing his squad before making any transfer window decisions.
The 43-year-old, appointed on Monday, is approaching his new role methodically, stating that evaluating his current players is his top priority.
Focus on Evaluation Before Recruitment
Neil, who has only conducted one training session with the Lions, is keen to avoid hasty decisions. Speaking about his approach, he said:
“You would never come in and start signing people without looking at the guys that are in the building. My first port of call will be to assess everyone that is here and then if we need to add, between myself and the club, we’ll see what we can do.”
This measured strategy comes as Neil aims to balance the club’s existing resources with potential new additions. Millwall fans, eager for an upturn in form, will be watching closely to see how Neil reshapes the squad.
Neil’s Tactical Vision
The former Sunderland and Preston boss also outlined his vision for Millwall’s style of play, focusing on a balanced approach that prioritises progression without compromising possession.
“We need to be progressive with our passing – but what we don’t want to do is just kick it back to them,” Neil explained. “Punting the ball up the pitch is not going to make us any better. But also, I’m not a believer of playing 100 passes in your own half. I’d like to think I’m a middle grounder.”
The Lions started Neil’s tenure with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Oxford at The Den on New Year’s Day. The performance highlighted the team’s struggle to create clear-cut chances against a well-organised opponent. Neil acknowledged the difficulty in breaking down such teams, stressing the need for strategic play to open up spaces.
Addressing Scoring Challenges
Millwall’s inability to score more than one goal in a game since October remains a pressing issue. Neil is aware of the challenge, saying:
“Yeah it is, but, that’s the challenge we’ve got. If it was easy, everyone would do it.”
He highlighted the importance of working the ball side to side to disorganise defences, referencing the success of a diagonal play from Japhet Tanganga to Joe Bryan during the Oxford match. Neil believes such moves, executed at the right moment, will be key to creating more scoring opportunities.
Writer’s View
Alex Neil’s methodical approach to assessing the Millwall squad shows a clear understanding of the club’s immediate needs. While the lack of goals remains a concern, Neil’s tactical insights offer a glimpse of how he plans to address this challenge. The January transfer window will be crucial, but Neil’s priority to evaluate before acting could provide the stability needed for long-term success.
