Both Aladji Bamba and Bazoumana Toure have seen exceptionally limited minutes so far under Matthias Jaissle which has led to many fans wondering why that has been the case.
Speculation has been thrown around as to the reasons, but the simple fact is nobody really knew for absolutely certain exactly what the German's thinking was behind the bedding in periods - that was until today anyway.
Jaissle actually directly addressed the topic in his pre match press conference before the game against Leeds United on Monday night.
What Jaissle said
Speaking in regards to the aforementioned new signings, Jaissle said:
"With Baz, it's really clear. He's a young lad. You see the steps in training, he's really committed. But Harvey (Barnes) is performing at a high level, so sometimes you get less playing time.
"It's the same with AB (Aladji Bamba). We will give them time to adapt and develop. We're not pushing them to get more minutes, we're supporting them."
What it means
If you had to commit to a point of view as to why the players had been held back thus far, it would probably echo something along similar lines to Jaissle's public admission.
But the fact that the gaffer is willing to provide that sort of clarification out in the media is not only a positive for us as a fanbase, as it shows us the sort of communication we will get during his tenure, but also for the players themselves.
Firstly, if the information is well known enough that Jaissle is willing to reveal it to the media, then the players will already be fully aware of exactly where they stand and will understand all of the reasons Jaissle has cited in even more detail than we now do.
Secondly, it shows that it isn't a closed shop where the verdict has already been decided on the players and Jaissle has concluded that he doesn't like them, which can happen with managers in the modern game.
But it also very clearly leaves the pathway open to the first team for both.
It might seem strange to even suggest that wouldn't be the case given the short period both have been at the club so far, but having your manager publicly back you and state that it isn't anything you have done wrong and that your chances will come is almost as good as a vote of confidence as any bench player could ask for.
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