Sheffield Wednesday’s Daniel Pudil has praised the influence of new manager Jos Luhukay after the ten man Owls fought for a point in the Steel City derby on Friday.

The Czech international had struggled to feature under Carlos Carvalhal, however, Luhukay utilised the experienced defender as a left-sided centre-back in a back three on Friday and Pudil produced a man of the match performance.

And, speaking to the Sheffield Star, the ex-Watford man praised the new manager’s attention to detail in the double sessions leading up to the derby.

“There has been a few changes, with the double sessions and a few meetings. We had also been watching a few videos of our set-pieces. We prepared well for the (United) game and making everything right, showing we are the same Sheffield Wednesday of last year or the year before.”

Despite playing the final half hour with a man disadvantage, the Owls looked solid and Sheffield United barely created a chance of note. In fact, Wednesday could have even nicked the points towards the end in what was a dogged display.

The Verdict

Jos Luhukay deserves huge credit for the influence he has already had on this Wednesday side and clearly the players are appreciating his methods.

Even though they are missing a host of key players, they had a good shape and organisation about themselves and thoroughly deserved a draw.

Of course, they will have to be more progressive and imaginative in future games but it was a good start for the new manager and justified the extensive work the side put in building up to the game.

Thoughts, Wednesday fans? Let us know in the comments below.