Jaap Stam has taken issue with Aston Villa’s style of play – but is this just because his Reading side can’t find a way to overcome it?
While Jaap Stam should be commended for employing a philosophy steeped in Dutch tradition, the Reading manager’s single-mindedness is starting to grate.
After Leeds United supporters regaled him with chants of ‘boring, boring Reading’ as The Royals’ plodding possession resulted in nothing other than 2-0 away defeat in December, Stam stated, as reported by the Daily Mail;
“You can tell something about how they are as human beings.”
In truth, the Leeds fans had a point. Reading boasted 77 per cent possession at Elland Road but failed to create a clear cut chance. Though it’s not only The Whites that have got on the wrong side of Louis van Stam this season.
Jordan Ayew’s stoppage time penalty earned Aston Villa a hard-fought 2-1 win at the Madejski in October despite claiming just 31 per cent of the possession. Inevitably, therefore, the ultimate footballing purist took issue with the direct style employed by counterpart Steve Bruce.
“There was only one team trying to play football and that was us,” Stam claimed, as reported by the Birmingham Mail. “They were sitting in front of their box waiting to get out.”
Yet, with Villa and Reading going head-to-head on Saturday, you can expect more of the same. Villa have conceded just two goals in their last seven Championship fixtures and will no doubt utilise the rugged, pragmatic approach that has worked to great effect in recent weeks.
And, at this point, we know what to expect of The Royals. Reading may have stuck to their possession principles against Norwich at the weekend but the fact they conceded seven at Carrow Road rather undermines Stam’s style.
Therefore, Villa have the chance to further irritate the stubborn Dutchman on Saturday. In fact, Bruce’s side should be motivated by Stam’s criticism.
Clearly, Reading could not deal with Villa’s style seven months ago so why not repeat the trick?
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