With tensions predictably high in the world of Aston Villa following manager Steve Bruce’s after match comments following victory over Rotherham United, it hasn’t been difficult for some fans to jump on his latest comments as we go into Sheffield Wednesday later today.
Holding his usual pre-game press conference, Bruce covered a few topics from the Official Site coverage and there was plenty of praise, hope and positivity involved as we got back to winning ways in the last match.
There was another part of the press conference though.
Steve Bruce: “I am convinced Mile Jedinak will be a centre-half. I saw it the other night. He has been, in my opinion, unfairly criticised because results have not gone for us.” [express & star] #avfc
— villareport (@villareport) September 21, 2018
Bruce: “If you analyse the goals we have conceded, we have had far too many individual errors, far too many. However, the team for me has not functioned defensively.” [express & star] #avfc
— villareport (@villareport) September 21, 2018
Bruce: “I think I know what I am talking about with a centre-back. I am convinced it is his way forward. He proved it the other night. He provides a certain physicality which the team don’t have if he is not in it.” [express & star] #avfc
— villareport (@villareport) September 21, 2018
Now you certainly wouldn’t expect him to slam some of Jedi’s expected mistakes as centre-half remains a new position to him, despite being regularly used there by Bruce and our manager does have a point, Jedinak is an easy go-to when things go wrong.
When you take emotion out of it, statistically he often performs a hell of a lot better than people give him credit for.
But, the beard is not a centre-half and he will continue making mistakes. It’s the difference between being an extra body from midfield, and then being the body with nobody to help you.
Jedinak is already a centre half – just not a very good one! It's not all about winning headers. Different to read the game there than as a defensive midfielder. Both Jedi & Chester are badly short of pace. Hutton gets caught out upfield too often. Elmo not great tackling. Shaky!
— Rob Aston ???????????? (@RobA19) September 21, 2018
Episode 4 "Playing players out of position" in the first series of "How to get Sacked by a football club. Next weeks episode "Preparing for Opposition players who are suspended"
— Boycey (@Boycey1259) September 21, 2018
The news we were all dreading to hear ????
— mitch (@MitchallDodd) September 21, 2018
The criticism is for Bruce picking him to play there when he is definitely not a centre half especially after Alex had a decent game and needs more games there #bruceout
— Terance mcgrath (@RascalAVFC) September 21, 2018
HE'S NOT A CENTRE HALF!!! Axel had his best game for us against Blackburn, in his correct position. Reward was to be dropped.
— McGinniesta7 ???????????????????????????? (@RHunter007) September 21, 2018
He also apparently spoke about the threats that Sheffield Wednesday will pose us and referenced Fernando Forestieri, who is, of course, serving a ban.
A few days ago Bruce was taking a pop at the intelligence of those who criticised him. Today he talks about the threat of an opposition player suspended for tomorrow’s game! Says a lot about how he prepares us for games. #avfc #bruceout pic.twitter.com/Mol7ZHlBUo
— Mark Ashmore (@mg_ashmore) September 21, 2018
Sorry, don’t agree. He is the manager, it’s his job to know this stuff and prepare the team accordingly. There is no excuse for this.
— Mark Ashmore (@mg_ashmore) September 21, 2018
Doesn't matter who's fault it is. 24 hours before a game he should be well aware of who's available for the opposition. Not hard
— El Duderino (@Thumperclub) September 21, 2018
He puts as much prep work into his interviews as he does team tactics
— Dave G (@kagg70) September 21, 2018
We'll probably have two on men marking him sat on the bench.
— Clunkclick (@photogromd) September 21, 2018
Obviously no attention to detail and it shows in our play
— Villa Patriot (@bigeddo63) September 21, 2018
There were plenty more, but this is the problem with turning on fans. He’s been briefed wrong or had a rush of blood and named the first player that came to mind, presumably to not pick out who we have actually made a focus.
But a slip like that is going to haunt now after his previous words – this won’t be the only time Bruce has misnamed a player since he’s been at the club (and he won’t be the only one) but it’s now an easy dig.