Bristol City boss Liam Manning has made important tactical adjustments to help the Robins reach the Championship play-offs, according to ex-Crystal Palace and Reading winger Jobi McAnuff.
City won 11 of their 24 games (D8 L5) after Christmas at a rate of 1.7 points per game compared to just six wins from their opening 22 matches (D9 L7) with a 1.22 points per game ratio.
The improved form in the second half of the season proved to be enough to secure sixth and a first play-off finish since 2007-08.
“He [Manning] made a little tweak at the turn of the year and it’s really served them well,” McAnuff told Football Daily 72+: The EFL Podcast.
“They’ve gone to three at the back but they’re then really nice and narrow and compact in midfield. They go and press high and win the ball really aggressively in that final third.
“I think they’re very well organised, certainly a well coached team. They’re very difficult to play against and that run they’ve had in the new year is a big reason they’re in the play-offs now.
“They’re going to be a difficult prospect. I think they will be quietly confident of what they can do given that form they’ve been on for quite a long time now.”
Former Huddersfield Town defender Tommy Smith said it has been an “unbelievable season” for Bristol City.
“You look at the Championship table, some of the teams they’ve finished above this year, it’s a remarkable achievement and he [Manning] deserves full credit for it,” Smith added.
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