Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom defended his starting lineup against Bristol City – in wide areas particularly.
Against the Robins, the Lilywhites lost 1-3 at Deepdale. Jordan Storey, Ben Whiteman, Ali McCann, Mads Frokjaer, Brad Potts, and Emil Riis were among the six players the PNE manager brought back into the starting lineup following the Carabao Cup defeat to Arsenal.
The majority of those choices were anticipated, but Jeppe Okkels’ next start seemed certain after the summer acquisition attracted attention in the middle of the week. In the absence of Robbie Brady, Heckingbottom selected Brad Potts and Kaine Kesler-Hayden to provide width.
When asked about Okkels and Kian Best being on the bench, Heckingbottom said: “Because of our shape. Neither of them have played left wing-back while I have been here, as good as Brad or Kaine – simple. Kaine was outstanding against Luton and he was really good first half… a big threat.
“We changed him, because their two lads who had just come back from long-term injuries were on their left side – so we put Kaine on the right. Then, the change after that was to go to a back four and get more attacking players on. But, Jeppe has never played wing-back. He is a winger, so we would be leaving ourselves open I think.”
On whether the loss is a reality check, he added: “We have just lost a game of football, that’s all we’ve done. Nothing changes now, in terms of how we’ll go and approach Sunderland. Until there are (transfer) windows, nothing changes one little bit. Of course, people coming back from injury and suspension, 100 per cent that is a totally different dynamic to the group. But, it’s pointless moaning about it.”
