Darren Moore revealed just what he said to his Wednesday players at half-time after a below-par first 45 against MK Dons today.
With the Owls trailing 2-1 and having failed to reproduce the encouraging form of recent weeks, Moore said: “Believe it or not I wasn’t throwing teacups at half-time. I said to the lads we had to clean up our work, have a bit more concentration and be a bit more forceful second half.
“And that’s exactly what we got. We put more bodies in the box, put more thought into crosses and the sustained pressure told.
“We just weren’t getting into our rhythm and there were certain players who weren’t quite at it. I told them we’re better than this. We were more than capable of pulling it back and that’s what we did second half.
“The speed of the ball and relentlessness was there second half. It was a tricky game but we’ve come through and got the points.
“If I had one particular moment in the game, it was when Lee Gregory scored. The minute it happened I exhaled. It’s not been for the want of trying because he’s been getting chances.
“For him to get a tap-in like that was pleasing for him but I thought his contribution was good. He brought other people into play and that’s one of his strengths but the main thing for him is to score.”
Moore also said he rested defenders Aden Flint and Akin Famewo, explaining: “I just thought Aden and Akin were in the red zone so I took them out of the firing line today. I have said to all of them, make sure you are ready because this is a squad game and you will all be called on.
“The substitutes had a wonderful impact today and that’s what you want, that’s what you’re looking for from the bench.
“We are back to one-game weeks for a while, the players can get more rest time between games and we get back to work on the training ground.”
And the Owls boss also had special words of praise for the supporters: “I am absolutely delighted with the fans and for the fans. The way they got behind the team after we conceded early was exactly what we would have wanted.
“They sang their hearts out and I can’t tell you the difference it makes to the players. They cheered every tackle, made a superb atmosphere and they have gone home happy knowing they have played their part.
“We are on this journey together. This is what I talk about when I say we are aligned as a football club with that oneness, that unity.”