Home
Dougie Freedman has told Chris Eagles he must work through his loss of form if he is to again be the main man for Wanderers.
The influential playmaker has struggled since returning from injury in September but was back in the starting line-up for Saturday’s 1-1 home draw with Sheffield Wednesday.
It proved another frustrating afternoon for the former Manchester United man – leading to him being replaced by youngster Rob Hall 20 minutes before the end of the game, shortly after missing a scoring chance when he scooped a shot over the crossbar.
No longer an automatic choice in attack, Eagles has now been challenged by his manager to get through the rough patch he is currently experiencing.
“Footballers have got to understand what comes with being a professional,” he said.
“There are lots and lots of fans out there who would love to have that jersey, Chris has got it and he has to understand what comes with the ups and downs of football.
“He’s a mature young guy and he has to make sure he keeps his head down and keeps going.”
Eagles looked upset after being taken off on Saturday but Freedman says he will be consistent with his approach to the winger and will not be treating him any differently this week.
“I manage a certain way in that win, lose or draw the players will always know what they are getting,” he said.
“I’m calm on the training ground, it is always very relaxed and I make sure we work very hard.
“If Chris had scored that goal at the end or he missed it, he was going to be worked hard on the training ground on Monday morning so it doesn’t really change. That’s the way it goes.”
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
The influential playmaker has struggled since returning from injury in September but was back in the starting line-up for Saturday’s 1-1 home draw with Sheffield Wednesday.
It proved another frustrating afternoon for the former Manchester United man – leading to him being replaced by youngster Rob Hall 20 minutes before the end of the game, shortly after missing a scoring chance when he scooped a shot over the crossbar.
No longer an automatic choice in attack, Eagles has now been challenged by his manager to get through the rough patch he is currently experiencing.
“Footballers have got to understand what comes with being a professional,” he said.
“There are lots and lots of fans out there who would love to have that jersey, Chris has got it and he has to understand what comes with the ups and downs of football.
“He’s a mature young guy and he has to make sure he keeps his head down and keeps going.”
Eagles looked upset after being taken off on Saturday but Freedman says he will be consistent with his approach to the winger and will not be treating him any differently this week.
“I manage a certain way in that win, lose or draw the players will always know what they are getting,” he said.
“I’m calm on the training ground, it is always very relaxed and I make sure we work very hard.
“If Chris had scored that goal at the end or he missed it, he was going to be worked hard on the training ground on Monday morning so it doesn’t really change. That’s the way it goes.”
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
