Back to Basics

I keep seeing this bandied about as the short term solution to our problems but what does that mean?

I understand the woes of the Albatross of "no fear" football that was created unnecessarily however especially in the last 2 or 3 games I am not really seeing that our ills are caused by this stylist change (if there really has been one). It certainly hasn't been a new gung ho attacking football mindset that has done us over.

We have maintained a flat back 4 with two defensive minded midfielders. The only significant difference I can see is Burke playing more centrally and the full backs pushing up a bit more. We are certainly not passing any more under Rooney. We managed a paltry 167 against Ipswich and 215 against Sunderland yesterday. Only against Plymouth this season was this comparatively low under Eustace. Subsequently our possession stats under Rooney have deteriorated, and they were pretty rank under Eustace this year and last. A new bold sophisticated style it hasn't been just more of the same but with less clear defensive solidity.

I get the "back to basics" convo when we moved from AK to Bowyer. When we were able to play it long, use the width, and use Juke method. That was like slipping back into a comfortable slipper you should throw out because it is past it best but remains reassuringly functional.

What do we want to see Rooney revert back to?