Adam Birchall’s vision for our under-18s is to develop a better understanding of how to balance our desire to attack with defensive discipline.
That was his message following Saturday’s 1-0 defeat away to Reading in the U18 Premier League.
U18s report: Reading 1-0 Arsenal
“Complete domination of the game, so I was really pleased with how many chances we created today,” he said after the game.
“The bits that matter are putting the ball in the net and stopping them doing that. It was one of their breakaways that they scored from. The big challenge to the players is to try to mature, grow up and understand that teams don’t go away now they’re older. They’re not going to turn up and just be able to win.
“They’ve got to manage the game, understand the opposition’s playing style and, at times in the second half, it became more like basketball. We started to show a lack of control but, in terms of the players’ intentions today and the journey they’re on, I was pleased with the performance.
“We had a lot of the ball, entered dangerous areas and created chances but we weren’t able to take them. As young players on the pitch, out of their nature and positive want to affect the game, they start throwing more men forward. We’re shouting on the sideline to manage yourselves, play with structure, control the game, but I’d rather young players have that in them and really want to score a goal than not.
“However, you have to manage how many players you move forward, how many you keep back and that’s been the big lesson today for the lads.
“My vision for them is that they become self-regulating so they’re able to play together as a team but also understand what’s required of them, so they’re on a journey with that and that means not always being given the answers but sometimes the challenge to find the answers.”
