Second half collapse won't put Jackett off idea of back three
Wednesday, 14th Mar 2018 12:51 by pompey-fans.com staff

Kenny Jackett says he is happy to persevere with using three central defenders instead of two - at the right time.

Jack Whatmough returned to the back line at home to Gillingham while Christian Burgess and Matt Clarke kept their places, enabling the Blues to use wing-backs.

The set-up helped provide a sparkling first half display from Jackett's men but one that was not repeated after the break as the Gills scored three to take the points.

The game of two halves won't put Jackett off using three at the back again, though.

He told The News: 'At the right time, playing three at the back is something, if possible, I would like to be able to do. With everybody fit and available, it could open up three at the back, which is something I feel can be successful in this division.

‘If you look at Bristol City and Sheffield United, there are some sides which have played it very effectively. You need all your components for any system to work — particularly for that one. And we have a lot of the components.

‘You need three good central defenders, while if we can get to three midfielders we can outnumber the opposition, and there is also a front two. In addition, it’s very important to have athletic wing-backs.

‘There are different interpretations. There are a lot of very successful teams who play that way, while others in this division, such as Gillingham, play a number of systems, even in one game.

‘Gillingham sometimes will play three systems in one match. Bristol Rovers do it as well. There are a lot of examples of people who stay flexible with three at the back. ‘It is something which is an option if I’ve got the players. Where and when that will be the case, we shall see.'