Danny Rohl has explained what could be ‘so important’ in Sheffield Wednesday’s bid for survival now.
Sheffield Wednesday have only eleven games remaining to save their Championship status, though they currently sit only three points from safety.
The Owls had previously come close to creeping out of the relegation zone over Christmas, but a downturn in form in the new year left them gasping for air.
However, Danny Rohl has quickly turned things around again, with the club winning four of their last five games.
The German coach has stuck with pretty much the same team in recent weeks after finally finding his best line-up, while their bench against Rotherham was a strong one, with the likes of Dominic Iorfa, Michael Smith and Bailey Cadamarteri waiting in the wings.
Sheffield Wednesday have previously had the likes of Iorfa, Smith, Momo Diaby and Callum Paterson all sidelined, but players are starting to return and Rohl has now claimed that could be ‘so important’ for the rest of the season.
Speaking to Yorkshire Post, the coach said: “I said on Saturday to my assistant coaches our bench will be so important.
“It’s not to excuse it, but in January we had a lot of weeks with midweek games and in some games we felt it a little bit and were not always fresh. It’s now good to have nearly everyone in the squad available. It gives me a good opportunity to bring fresh legs in, maybe.
“The performance of my team is outstanding – how we rest, how we live, the attitude we have, the mentality in our group. Everybody is hungry to be part of the team.
“The players who are not in the squad keep going and push, it’s outstanding. I’m very proud of what my team are doing at the moment.
“Every win creates more belief and more conviction.
“The last two away games against Millwall and Rotherham were really difficult to take six points from. To have two clean sheets and score three times was a big step forward.”
Can Sheffield Wednesday enjoy a long run with a full squad now?
Sheffield Wednesday have been guilty of constantly mixing up their team selection and formation this term, with Danny Rohl struggling to find his best eleven – especially when constantly hit with injuries and suspensions.
However, the German has steadied the ship now and Sheffield Wednesday know the players they need in that line-up to help them reach their end goal.
The strength of the bench is massively important, with Rohl already explaining how bringing on Michael Smith against Rotherham played a key role in Ike Ugbo’s winning goal.
The Owls now only have one midweek game left as they host Norwich next month, meaning they should have a long straight of full fitness and fewer injury problems.