MATIJA Sarkic is liking life under his new and “very loud” head coach at Millwall.
Neil Harris has arrived for his second stint in charge of the Lions having previously led the London club between 2015 and 2019.
His remit for the remainder of the season is very simple as he looks to keep Millwall out of the bottom three after they tumbled into a relegation battle.
Sarkic likes his new boss’ approach and revealed how Harris has instructed him to simplify his game.
Speaking after Saturday’s 1-0 win over Watford, Sarkic said of his manager: “A lot of energy, very loud and keeps the boys on their toes. So I think it’s a good thing, keeps standards high. He’s driving us in training and driving us on the pitch as well, so it’s very good.
“The gaffer has come in and obviously taken us to a back four and just given us clarity and simplified a lot of things and, for myself, simplified my game really. So I think that helps, everyone’s on the same page – and I’m not saying we weren’t before – but I think when we’re struggling a bit you go back to basics and you build from there.
“When you play a bit more expansive football, more is required from you and more is demanded from you. Playing out, being an option, helping organise my players, also defending my goal. So obviously there’s a lot more for me to focus on whereas being more direct and compact at the back takes away a few of the things I need to focus on which simplifies my game and means I can just focus solely on defending the goal a bit more.”
Sarkic was asked if he’s experienced a manager like Harris before, with the 46-year-old former striker well-known for his big personality and straight-talking style.
The goalkeeper said: “I can’t speak for any other players as I don’t know exactly who they’ve had as managers. But I feel like I’ve had a decent mix over my career. Everyone has their own character and style and philosophy and I enjoy this one.
“You get some that are quiet and kind of step away from the players to create a sense of authority. Where he’s very loud and vocal and demanding, so that’s his kind of authority I think. I haven’t known him long so that’s all I can really gauge.
“But I think if you’re going to be distant from the players, it kind of creates a sense of ‘I need to impress’ because you’re not really around him that much. Whereas [Harris] is hands-on and speak to his players a lot but also is very vocal and demanding which [also] creates that sense of ‘I need to impress him’. So I think different managers have ways of implementing high standards at a training ground or on the pitch.”