Danny Röhl appeared to be particularly eager on conveying one point in his news conference before of Sheffield Wednesday’s crucial Championship survival match against Stoke City on Saturday.
Röhl’s side rallied from a two-goal deficit against high-flying Norwich City on Tuesday evening to secure a point, tying them with Huddersfield Town for the first safety position heading into the final four games of the season.
The Hillsborough atmosphere helped to fuel the comeback, with the crowd rising to the occasion in a tumultuous second half as Wednesday’s uncharacteristically direct approach paid off.
However, with a section of the Owls crowd booing the trailing side off the pitch at half-time and a smaller section appearing to jeer James Beadle after a first-half mishap led to the Canaries’ second goal, Röhl sensed disappointment in the S6 atmosphere in the first half.
Röhl’s Owls have closed a 12-point safety margin, putting them in a strong position to remain in the division. A statistic that circulated on social media this week revealed that Wednesday’s form over the last four months would leave them outside the play-offs.
With two home matches remaining, Hillsborough’s manager wants supporters to bring only good energy to the stadium, creating an atmosphere hostile to opposing clubs rather than their own.
“The second half was exactly the atmosphere that we need,” he told reporters. “First, we always have the responsibility on the pitch to generate an atmosphere, but we should not forget that we played against a strong team in the first half.
It is preferable that we stick together than start booing or not be behind the custodian. This isn’t helpful. It is preferable that we stick together and help each other on and off the pitch. The second half provided the atmosphere, pressure, and vigour that we required in our circumstance. It was a point for everyone in the stadium.
Röhl has consistently lauded Wednesday fans for their contribution to the club’s improvement in the points total this season, and earlier this month labelled the club’s supporters as ‘Premier League’ standard. His news conference themes appeared to be a challenge to home fans to help guide his players through difficult periods on the pitch. Recent history demonstrates how powerful an impact the S6 atmosphere may have on opposing sides.
He went on to say, “If we put on a strong performance, our fans will be there right away; if we are under pressure from our opponents, that will also be a key moment. Our supporters must be with us in a difficult moment with a lot of positive energy because my players sense everything Pitch immediately. It is extremely beneficial to my guys; remain positive and persevere, and we will have the parties I mentioned. We can transform our home games into large events and attend together.”
Midweek results favoured the Owls, as all three relegation-threatened teams lost without scoring. Stoke were one of those, losing 3-0 against Swansea City. With only four points separating 22nd-placed Wednesday and QPR in 16th, the final four rounds of matches could see any two of eight teams join Rotherham United in League Two next season.
Röhl is sure his team can finish outside the top three after being in the relegation zone since August.
“The race is so close at the moment it is unbelievable,” he told reporters. “You can see the results from the teams around us.” Everyone is battling. We need to be strong and have the appropriate mindset. I am confident in the balance of my team; we have a mix of young and experienced players, and we help each other. It is critical that we run for each other; if we do, our chances will be enormous.
