Source: SKY_Sports
James - Bad coaching to blame
Portsmouth goalkeeper David James has taken another swipe at the club's former management, while praising the recent revival under Paul Hart and Brian Kidd.[LNB] James has been highly critical of the coaching methods of Tony Adams and his staff since their dismissal from the club in February, at which time Portsmouth were teetering perilously above the relegation places.[LNB]However, with Hart taking over as manager, Pompey have stabilised their position and look likely to be competing in the Premier League next season - and no thanks to Adams as far as the England keeper is concerned.[LNB]"People can always blame the players and say that systems don't matter, but if you give instructions to people those instructions have to be good and people have to be able to follow them," James remarked to The Sun.[LNB]"Before the last 10 games we were a side who conceded too many goals. We were easy to beat and far removed from the side we were the season before. [LNB]"In the last 10 games it has been the complete reverse. We have been decent. The management have taken us out on the training pitch and have implored us to do the right things. [LNB]"Next season we need to take a check and learn lessons from what has happened in this one. We are fortunate we have managed to turn things around."[LNB]Gunners prospectPortsmouth need just two points to reach the magic 40-point mark, and first up is a clash with Arsenal who are expected to field a weakened side as they look to their UEFA Champions League semi-final in midweek.[LNB]But with their enviable youth policy, a weakened Arsenal is nonetheless a formidable prospect, as James is keen to point out.[LNB]"To think that Arsenal are not going to be up for it against us would be wrong," he added.[LNB]"Arsenal's youngsters are more than capable and they have proved that in the cup games they have been involved in. [LNB]"We need a point or a win but the players at Arsenal know they have a chance to put themselves in the manager's thoughts for a European semi-final."[LNB]
