Tomasson urges patience with Rovers’ recent additions
The way Blackburn Rovers are adopting his ideas during games has Jon Dahl Tomasson ecstatic.
The team suffered a few growing pains at the beginning of the Danish head coach’s reign as they adapted to a new style of play. Rovers had a poor start last year, as seen by their record up to the World Cup break.
Rovers have been a far more reliable team in 2023. They have played some terrific, entertaining football and haven’t had any trouble creating chances. The conversion of those opportunities into goals has been the Achilles heel.
They put on a fantastic performance against Middlesbrough, establishing their control especially in the first half. Despite scoring twice, they should have been out of reach by the hour mark after missing many excellent opportunities.
WATCH: Elliott Jackson’s Rovers post-game analysis
The manner in which Rovers are currently dismantling their opponents, though, is something to watch. Their deft, precise passes and wide-area overloads have come to represent Tomasson’s aesthetic. After 14 months, a distinct, defined philosophy has emerged.
Even though he wishes there had been more of a clinical edge, Tomasson was thrilled with the caliber of football on Saturday. He praised the players’ bravery and specifically mentioned Hayden Carter’s contribution to Szmodics’ first move.
“I think it was an excellent game, a brilliant performance, and I enjoyed it,” he said to The Lancashire Telegraph. “The only thing I didn’t like is that we didn’t have a 3-0 lead at the break!
“Even though it was occasionally frustrating, I can still smile when you win. The guys put up a fantastic performance. They did a tremendous job.
We have a very distinct identity, and we are acting appropriately. Some of the guys, the goals we scored, Hayden with the first one, and the way he carries the ball into dangerous areas where opposing teams surround their players.
“He played it ‘into the kitchen’, as I like to say. terrific viewing, and a terrific ending.
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Interestingly, despite having three on the substitutes’ bench and two injured players, Rovers didn’t start against Middlesbrough with a summer acquisition. That demonstrates the growth of the team Tomasson has worked with for a year.
The fact that all of the team members have improved is the highest complement you can give the head coach and his players. Tomasson anticipates that it will take some time for the newcomers to adjust given the tardiness of some of Rovers’ business this summer.
“If you look at our final 16 games of the previous season, I think we played outstanding football. We play in a very defined manner.
“I believe we accomplished that this year. If you want to play football clearly, which is what we want here, it is always preferable to have players in the building right away.
“I like to play football in a certain way, so it can take a little while for new players to get up to speed and also the tactical things, which aren’t always easy if you aren’t used to playing that way,” said the coach.
