Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith says Tony Pulis has brought more intensity to the shape and structure following his arrival as manager, Yorkshire Live report.
Pulis was appointed as Wednesday’s new manager last month following Monk’s dismissal.
The former Middlesbrough boss has managed three points from his opening four games, but the Owls are unbeaten in three following a testing period.
Wednesday have twice seen red cards during Pulis’s four games in charge. But, with just three goals conceded, they have evidently shown grit and determination.
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Speaking to reporters, Wildsmith feels the Owls’ defensive improvement is down to greater intensity under Pulis while explaining how much has changed following Monk’s exit.
It is chalk and cheese. He [Pulis] is quite old school and he says it how it is. It is different but obviously it is great to be playing under a manager. He has brought in some different ideas and he knows what he wants and I don’t think he will ever change from that as some of the boys will find out. He has brought a lot of intensity to the shape work and the structure of how we play and I think that will only stand us in good stead moving forward.
While Monk did manage to shore up Wednesday’s defence somewhat this season, it came at a cost of an attacking threat as he switched to a back-three system.
Pulis, meanwhile, has gone back to a back four. Liam Palmer and Joost van Aken have provided extra height in the fullback positions – a similar trait Pulis deployed at Boro.
Wildsmith often found himself overlooked under Monk. However, he looks ready to reclaim the number one shirt while Keiren Westwood remains side-lined with injury.
Wednesday head into back-to-back away games at Norwich City and Huddersfield Town nursing injuries and suspensions. But under Pulis, they won’t lose that competitive edge.
It may take time, and a good January transfer window, for the Owls to start firing at the opposite end of the pitch, but the signs are there that this team is looking up.
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