Henrik Pedersen and Sheffield Wednesday will welcome Gerhard Struber’s Bristol City to Hillsborough on Saturday afternoonHenrik Pedersen and Sheffield Wednesday host Bristol City(Image: Photo by Pat Scaasi/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Henrik Pedersen has labelled Bristol City boss Gerhard Struber a “fantastic guy” and “really good coach” ahead of the Robins’ clash with Sheffield Wednesday this weekend, having previously worked with the Austrian at Red Bull Salzburg.

City travel to Hillsborough on Saturday afternoon for what will be their first game since the September international break. In the first month of the campaign, Struber’s side impressed as they managed to come through their first four league matches unbeaten, securing wins over both Sheffield United and Hull City in the process.

Wednesday, on the other hand, are one of five teams yet to win a league game this term. After another tumultuous summer off of the field at Hillsborough under Chansiri’s ownership, Pedersen’s side have lost three of their opening four matches, most recently tasting defeat against Swansea City.

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Although the Owls boss is expecting Struber and City to provide another difficult test this weekend, he is adamant that it is a challenge he and his players are relishing as they look to secure their first three points of the campaign.

“They have a really good coach, Gerhard Struber, my former colleague and assistant coach from Salzburg,” the Wednesday boss said in his pre-match press conference. “They play a very aggressive style of football and are a very well-organised team.

“I have big respect for this team and they have really good individual quality, but we are also a very well-organised team and I have some very, very hungry players who are hungry to get their first win in the Championship this season, so I’m really looking forward to Saturday.

“No, we have not spoken regularly for a long time,” Pedersen continued when asked if he had stayed in contact with Struber. “I think it’s normal life when you go to a new club, and it’s many years ago.

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“He’s a fantastic guy and a good coach, so I’m looking forward to seeing him again.”

As a result of their off the field issues, Wednesday were unable to do a huge amount of transfer business over the course of the summer. Key players such as Josh Windass, Djeidi Gassama, Michael Smith, and Callum Paterson all departed Hillsborough, while for much of the window, Cardiff City goalkeeper Ethan Horvath was their only addition.

On deadline day, however, the Owls did manage to get a second signing over the line, with Harry Amass making the switch to the Steel City on loan from Manchester United.

The 18-year-old made five Premier League appearances for Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils last season while also featuring in the Europa League. Having spent the majority of the last two weeks training with his new teammates, the teenager could make his Wednesday debut against the Reds on Saturday afternoon.

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“He feels really well,” Pedersen said on Amass’ impact at Hillsborough. “When I’m speaking with him, when I see him on the pitch, I see a concentrated and happy boy who likes his new life in Sheffield.

“He’s done really well. You always have expectations before when you’re choosing players, but it feels like he feels really well, and I’m really happy that he’s here.”

When asked if the United loanee could feature against the Robins, the Owls boss smiled, “There could be a big chance, yes.”

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