Sometimes when players lose form, a manager tries to play them through it, particularly ones that have been very reliable in the past. At some point though, if they’re not getting through it and improving, they have to be rested.
Getting that balance right is what keeps the squad harmony. If a manager drops players because they have a bad game, the other players start to wonder if he knows what he’s doing, too much chopping and changing makes a manager look indecisive and it can appear to the players that they’re being hung out to dry. Similarly, sticking with players for too long can have a similar effect, especially on the ones who aren’t getting into the team who are thinking ‘what do I have to do? My rival for my position is playing shit, why’s he still getting a game?’ until it spreads to the first team who get sick of losing and also start wondering why certain players keep getting picked.
It’s one of the complexities of management and, like most things in football, and life, it’s about getting the balance right. I can see why CW puts a lot of trust in the regular first team because, over the last couple of seasons they’ve been brilliant for us. But he’s got some big decisions to make.
