There’s very few positives for Danny Rohl and Sheffield Wednesday going into this first international break.
Sheffield Wednesday enter the September international break on the back of a 3-0 defeat vs Millwall at The Den, marking a third-straight defeat for the Owls.
It leaves them in 20th place of the Championship table. And it marks a sharp decline in form following the opening day win vs Plymouth Argyle at the start of August.
The two-week break comes at a good time for Rohl and his first-team squad who can use the time off to figure out where they’re going wrong, and amend their issues.
For the fans, though, it seems clear what the main issue is right now, defending.
Sheffield Wednesday have simply been dreadful in their own third this season, though it’s the reasons why which has stirred debate.
Some say it’s Rohl’s style of play, individual errors, an incorrect shape and so on.
Another factor contributing to the woeful defensive record this season (nine goals conceded, one clean sheet) is an ongoing inability to defend set plays.
Dom Howson verdict on Sheffield Wednesday set-piece struggles
It’s been a theme at Sheffield Wednesday for some time now; at least throughout last season and going into this 2024/25 season.
The Owls seem to crumble whenever the opposition gets a free-kick in a dangerous area, or a corner.
In games against Sunderland and Millwall, Sheffield Wednesday have showcased some shocking defending from set plays.
It’s led to the recent arrival of Ben King as a new coach on the Sheffield Wednesday backroom team, and he’s expected to work on this set-piece issue at Hillsborough.
Posting on X, Howson highlighted this ongoing issue, writing:
Sheffield Wednesday ‘fix’ is easier said than done
Contrary to what Howson says, fixing Sheffield Wednesday’s defensive issues may prove a lot harder than most might think.
And it may come down to the transfer business done by the club; specifically the additions of Max Lowe and Yan Valery.
Both are attacking full-backs brought in to compliment Rohl’s very attacking style of play.
But now that teams have sussed out Rohl’s Sheffield Wednesday, those full-backs are less effective, and actually more vulnerable when doing their defensive duties.
Sheffield Wednesday lack proper, defensive full-backs and that now seems like a weak-spot when playing strong attacking teams like Sunderland and Leeds United.
Fixing it may not be an overnight job for Rohl and his staff, and it could be an issue that persists for some time yet.