Sheffield Wednesday: Why clean sheets aren't a priority for Jos Luhukay

Manager Jos Luhukay doesn't care about Sheffield Wednesday keeping clean sheets as long as the goals keep flying in at the other end of the pitch.
Jos LuhukayJos Luhukay
Jos Luhukay

The Owls have yet to achieve a shut-out in 12 league matches this season but are the sixth-highest scorers in the Championship with a tally of 19.

That's just fine by Luhukay who guided his side into the play-off spots going into the inernational break.

Owls managerOwls manager
Owls manager
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"I can honestly say I feel better and happier when we win 5-4 or 4-3 than 1-0 or 2-1," said the boss after watching Wednesday sign off with a 2-1 win at Bristol City last Sunday.

"You play football to score goals and it is what the fans want to see. But, of course, it is important at the end that you have a positive result.

"If we make one goal more than the opponent, I have no problem with that."

The Owls, who return to action at home to high-flying Middlesbrough a week tomorrow, are in sixth place. 

Sam WinnallSam Winnall
Sam Winnall
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They are only three points behind fourth-placed Boro but just one ahead of a chasing pack comprising of Brentford, Derby County, Norwich City and Blackburn Rovers.

"It is very close at the top," Luhukay said. "If we hadn't beaten Bristol City, we would have been in around 11th or 12th position.

"It is hard in this league. When you win one or two games, you can be in the top six. But when you lose one or two games you fall down the league. Everything is close."

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The Owls started the season slowly but have lose only once in nine Championship outings since a 2-0 defeat at Brentford on August 19.

"It is a good moment now after this break to come back in good shape against Middlesbrough," Luhukay added.

Several senior players, including comeback striker Sam Winnall and midfield man Sam Hutchinson, are expected to feature for the under-23s who face Crewe Alexandra at Hillsborough tomorrow afternoon (kick-off 1pm). 

Midfielder Almen Abdi, who has yet to kick  ball for the first team season, may also be given a run-out.

Winnall hasn't played since undergoing cruciate knee ligament surgery in February.