Kenny Jackett explains his Portsmouth style of football amid supporter frustrations
Kenny Jackett has explained his Pompey style of football is about finding the ‘middle ground’ between attack and defence.
The manager has come under significant fan pressure following the Blues’ League One play-off semi-final defeat to Oxford last month.
Along with failing to deliver promotion after three attempts, fans who've called for Jackett's head have also cited a lack of entertainment as a reason why they want him axed.
That's despite the 58-year-old having a win ratio of 52.1 per cent, which is the highest of any manager in the club's post-war history.
He's also delivered the EFL Trophy, while another final is waiting to be confirmed, along with reaching the play-offs twice.
Jackett insists he always wants his side to attack at a quick tempo in order to be successful.
But he feels having a happy medium and being patient to pick the right pass is key.
Jackett told The News: ‘One thing we've got is the balance and the mix.
‘I do want a quick tempo to my game and to attack quickly.
‘Similarly, it's about playing the right pass at the right time. To break people down, you have to attack and attack quickly when we get it right.
‘There is always a balance of attacking and defensive players needs.
‘I do think I always respect that in terms of goalscorers and forwards who can do damage.
‘I do think there is a middle ground and that's about the right pass at the right time which I do like as a manager.
‘In terms of scoring goals, you need to attack and attack quickly because if the build-up is too slow then it's very difficult to get behind teams.’
Jackett feels Pompey play their most effective football when they get the ball out wide and deliver ‘good-quality crosses’ into the box.
He added: ‘We are generally a crossing club. When we play well, we get the ball wide and get good-quality crosses into the box. That's where we aim to do well.
‘At our best, we are good at that. We get the ball wide, we do get crosses in and then, in terms of being able to get forward, that's something we do obviously set out to do.
‘I do think we try to find the middle ground, with the right pass at the right time.’