Indeed, early on Koeman seemed almost aloof from the youngsters , perhaps understandably as he was trying to get to grips with the seniors he had. But there's no doubt Holgate has improved considerably under his coaching and is a better defender than 9 months ago. He's hardly seen Pennington because of his injury, but the expectation has got to be that Koeman will work to improve him to 1st team squad member again.
In an earlier post I suggested Jags playing curve is on the way down , Pennington's is on the way up and they will eventually meet and cross. While I wouldn't write Jags off just yet, Pennington's injury and lack of game time would have counted against him being on the bench recently. He played a full 90 mins at a wet and windy Southport the other night so he's getting there.
What you tend to find with modern football fans is an opinion can become gospel quite quickly. The "Koeman hates youth" perspective was one such opinion. All evidence prior to him coming here does my fit with that. That has continued this year.
He does hold to a high standard and is quite unforgiving. I think you are right as well to say he wanted to see the seniors. I think the Watford game marked the moment he's seen enough. Leicester at home probably cemented it.
He's not going to put up with senior players not doing their jobs over a longer period. If you take a lad like Mori who does ok, and could still turn it around but if he hasn't by May I suspect he will be gone and maybe Pennington will get a run in spite of him.
Alongside the ruthlessness though is a very good coach. Davies has spoken about learning the tactical part of the game and how to intercept. He has really put that to good use and benefitted as a player. This feels a good balance to me.
As for Pennington he is a very bright lad and I think he will soak up Koemans wisdom. I prefer him to Galloway and Browning who have more on the physical side, but Pennington reads the game well. I think Koeman will improve him significantly.
Alongside that the win against Bournemouth last year, aside from the foul he should have had was a fantastic performance. There is a lot to work on and I really like the look of him.
