Speaking to the press ahead of Charlton’s clash against Luton Town on Saturday, Lee Bowyer explained what the team must do in order to get a result and provided an injury update.
The Addicks suffered a 2-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers last weekend, but Bowyer stated that the team will learn from the game.
“We need to take our chances," he explained.
"When you create chances in this division and you don’t take them, you lose games. Our goals from chances created is normally very good to be fair.
“That was the difference between the two teams last week. Watching the game back, there wasn’t much in it. Up until the first goal, we were the better side but didn’t take our chances, it was the same story in the second half so that’s what we need to do to improve.”
Reflecting on the loss to Rovers, Bowyer believes that the attitude of the players was admirable, and Charlton were unlucky to leave with no points.
“The players tried against Blackburn," he said.
"We can never criticise them for not trying. Sometimes things don’t go your way in football. We could still be out there now and maybe have not scored! It’s one of those things.”
“We worked hard and gave everything so there’s nothing for them to put right on that front. We moved the ball well and carved them open at times. In the first 20 minutes I thought it would be our day. The first goal this weekend will be important and hopefully we can get it and go on to win.”
WATCH LEE BOWYER'S PRE-MATCH PRESS CONFERENCE BY CLICKING HERE OR ON THE VIDEO BELOW
With the Addick’s changing formation in the second half last weekend, reverting to a back four instead of three, the manager explained why this may not be a suitable approach for the upcoming clash against the Hatters.
He said: “The reason why I changed it was that I thought we need to go for it a bit more. It worked, but not well enough because we didn’t take anything from the game. I’m happy with the second half but we didn’t get a result. No matter what formation, if you make the right decisions you’ll play well.”
Following on from the clash against Blackburn, Bowyer gave an injury update, explaining the situation in terms of Jonny Williams, Darren Pratley and Sam Field.
“Darren Pratley and Jonny Williams are still out. Jonny will be a couple of weeks. It wasn't as bad as we firth thought. These things you can’t control. Macauley Bonne falling on top of Jonny in training and twisting his ankle. They’re freak things and unfortunately, it’s happened a lot this season. Pratley is just not there at the moment, he’s had to have an injection.
“We have five or six out. It’s normal I think, a lot better than it has been in the past. I’m happy with the side that will go out on the weekend, the bench is strong.
"Sam Field has had to go back to West Brom. His knee isn’t looking good. His season might be over."
(Article by Nick Emms)
Get your tickets for our game against Luton Town at The Valley on February 22nd.
