Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett won't demand defensive improvement at expense of attacking threat

Kenny Jackett still wants more from his fast-improving Pompey defence.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

But the Blues boss won’t hurt his side’s cutting edge in the hunt for an extra layer of resillience.

Jackett wants to see the goals against column show his side in a better light than it currently does.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

That’s despite Matt Godden’s winner at Coventry on Tuesday night being the first League One effort Alex Bass has conceded for 472 minutes, after AFC Wimbledon’s Joe Pigott netted at Fratton Park last month.

Pompey sit joint fifth for league goals conceded in the table behind Sunderland (26), Coventry (28), Doncaster (29) and Gillingham (29).

So, although encouraged by the improvement Jackett sees leeway to see his side’s defensive strength develop further.

He said: ‘Our defensive record is pretty good and has been pretty good.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘Could it be better and are we are up with the best in the division? Not quite.

Pompey's defence has been putting their bodies on the line in the hunt for clean sheets. Photo by Daniel Chesterton/phcimages.comPompey's defence has been putting their bodies on the line in the hunt for clean sheets. Photo by Daniel Chesterton/phcimages.com
Pompey's defence has been putting their bodies on the line in the hunt for clean sheets. Photo by Daniel Chesterton/phcimages.com

‘We’re not far off though, but we’re not quite there with the top boys in terms of goal against.’

Despite thirsting for further progress in their strength at the back, Jackett is keen to guard against that arriving at the expense of attacking potency.

He added: ‘The margins aren’t big but I wouldn’t like to get a better defensive record at the detriment of the other end, because we look like we can score.

‘It’s not the defensive record and then we look less threatening. That’s not the case.

‘You want to be threatening and score goals and improve the defensive record. There’s a balance.’

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.