Rohl wants to improve - can Owls match his ambition?

Danny Rohl has led Sheffield Wednesday for 86 matches

"Some players showed today that they're not able to play at my level. Maybe it's an (eye) opener for the new season."

These comments and other similar remarks from the Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl created a lot of interest after the Stoke City defeat. But why?

It shouldn't be a surprise to anyone who has watched the Owls that more quality is needed to become a serious promotion contender. This isn't a shocking revelation.

Maybe people are just so used to boring soundbites and cliches from managers that when one opens up and tells us it how it is, there's a reaction?

Or maybe it's just indicative of a broader sense of apathy? Here is an ambitious manager putting his cards on the table.

If you want to play a progressive brand of football and succeed, to the extent of being a Championship promotion contender, a big summer is necessary. Typically that kind of reality check resonates. Instead, it has invited criticism.

I just don't think Rohl wants to stand still. Not unfairly he sees a squad with some quality but nowhere near enough to be a legit top-six team.

That is exactly the mindset a club that has been outside of the Premier League for a quarter of a century should have. Sometimes, that means hearing a few home truths.

Even so, nobody can deny results and performances have been disappointing in recent weeks.

It shouldn't be forgotten this has happened with an unhelpful backdrop, to put it mildly, of players and staff not being paid on time. Combined with having nothing to play for, it's difficult.

Rohl apologised for the performance at Stoke, even as he stated the need for more quality.

People have asked why not change the tactics. It's also worth noting the big chances Wednesday have had in their recent games and not taken.

This is not like the Xisco era where they struggled to muster a shot in anger. They create chances and don't score. Again, it's about quality.

Should the manager change the tactics to try and spark a change? It's one suggestion.

With nothing to lose, though, why wouldn't you use the time to try and improve the system you prefer and try and learn who fits into future plans?