Colchester defeat had been brewing says Latics boss

JAMES Tarkowski has played as many games this season as Arsenal’s centre-back pairing Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker had prior to kick-off against Chelsea last night . . . and fatigue has a bigger part to play in League One than at the top level.

That is the view of Athletic’s manager Lee Johnson, who said he saw the recent poor defeat to Colchester brewing.

Now Johnson wants his side to bounce back and find renewed inspiration for the Boxing Day trip to Bramall Lane.

Johnson said: “Look at the example of someone like Tarky, who has played 27 games this season already.

“That is comparable to a player at Champions League level. But the crucial difference is, if it is hard going for those top players, they have both the mental strength and elite players around them to get through it.

“We don’t have that. And with our young players at this level, it isn’t at all easy to be on top form every single game.

“Hopefully though, our lads have got to the point where they are angry with themselves. Bramall Lane is a good place to put the Colchester performance to bed.”

Athletic’s manager also confirmed that talks are planned soon with Sidney Schmeltz, who is currently out of the first-team picture.

“Sidney is a good player but for some reason it hasn’t worked,” he said.