Sheffield Wednesday boss responds after Owls' Preston North End thumping
Sheffield Wednesday’s 2026 got off to a losing start on Thursday as they were beaten 3-0 by Preston North End on New Year’s Day.
The first half was a relatively even one, with both sides having chances prior to Ali McCann giving the hosts the lead - but the Owls weren’t able to rally, and goals from Milutin Osmajic and Lewis Dobbin put the game to bed in the second stanza. It was a result that means Wednesday are winless in 18 Championship games, and three games away from creating miserable club record of league matches without victory.
To make matters worse, Henrik Pedersen lost another player to injury in Lancashire as Liam Cooper limped off and headed straight down the tunnel... It remains to be seen whether he’ll face a spell on the sidelines now.
How Henrik Pedersen responded to another Wednesday defeat
Speaking afterwards, Pedersen admitted that it was a tough game for his side, explaining that they couldn’t find their ‘rhythm’ again after going 1-0 down in the first half.
“It was a tough game against a strong, strong opponent,” he told the media. “Until the first goal I thought it was very equal and we were well in the game. Defensively we were well-organised on the ball, and we had a good balance between playing around and behind. But after the goal we didn’t get our rhythm back again, and the second half it was difficult.
“They’re physical, very strong, and go from having the ball to creating something really dangerously. It was a challenge for us, and we conceded two goals on defensive transitions where we lost it in areas that we’ve been strong in over the last two or three games…
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“We have to rest now. It’s a tough Christmas for our boys, and of course we have a small group of senior players and a big group of young players. It’s tough for them, but how they worked today - with their effort and what they bring on the pitch - is great.
“Now we have to rest, and we have to try and show who we are again against QPR in three days’ time.”
Onwards, though, and there’s another quick turnaround for Pedersen and his men as they head to Queens Park Rangers on Sunday afternoon for an early kick-off. The hope will be that their torrid run of form could come to an end at Loftus Road.