Watford’s Pre-Season Highlights Need for Reinforcements, Says Tom Cleverley
Watford’s pre-season campaign has underscored the necessity for new signings, according to head coach Tom Cleverley. Following a narrow 3-2 defeat to Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday, Cleverley emphasized the need to bolster the squad to be competitive in the upcoming Championship season.
Acknowledging the Gaps
Despite securing the services of Moussa Sissoko, Rocco Vata, and Jonathan Bond this summer, Cleverley admits there are still significant gaps in the squad. The manager’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation has yet to deliver the desired results consistently, revealing the team’s vulnerabilities.
“Yes, I think the pre-season has highlighted that,” Cleverley acknowledged. “We must strengthen in the right areas. But I must focus on the players I’ve got at the minute. I don’t think it was our best performance. We’ve got a lot of work to do.”
A Tough Test at Adams Park
The match against Wycombe Wanderers provided a stark reality check for the Hornets. Watford struggled to cope with Wycombe’s physicality and direct style of play, a likely preview of the challenges they will face against Millwall in their Championship opener.
“I think the fixture was good for us because it could mirror what to expect in the first game of the season,” Cleverley reflected. “We will have to deal with that better. Although we want to control the game and control the possession, there are 11 players out there trying to make things not so perfect for you. We have to deal with those moments.”
Defensive Concerns
Cleverley expressed concern over the team’s defensive frailties, which were evident in the latter part of the previous season and have persisted in pre-season.
“We’re not as hard to score against as we showed in the nine games at the end of last season, and that’s something I need to address,” he said.
Learning from the Experience
Unlike their friendly against Hibernian, where Watford had more control and fluidity, the encounter with Wycombe was a different story. The Hornets struggled to find their rhythm, frequently disrupted by Wycombe’s aggressive pressing and physical approach.
“The second half especially was a really good test for six or seven of the younger lads who have probably never experienced that before,” Cleverley noted. “It’s not always like the game at Hibs where you can be on the ball and playing nicely through the lines. Sometimes it does get like this tonight. Teams who are good at set pieces, stick it through the channels, scrap for the second balls – like I said, I didn’t think we were good enough in those areas tonight.”
Areas Needing Reinforcement
The pre-season performances have pinpointed specific areas that need reinforcement. The midfield and defensive lines require players who can handle the physical demands of the Championship and maintain possession under pressure. Additionally, Watford needs more depth and quality in attack to complement their new signings and ensure a balanced squad.
Looking Ahead
As the Championship season approaches, Cleverley is keenly aware of the challenges ahead. While the pre-season has been a mixed bag, it has provided valuable lessons and highlighted the areas requiring urgent attention. The manager’s focus remains on integrating new players, refining tactics, and building a resilient team capable of competing at the top end of the table.
Watford’s fans will be hoping for a flurry of activity in the transfer market as the club aims to address these gaps. Cleverley’s acknowledgment of the need for reinforcements is a positive sign that the club is aware of its shortcomings and is actively seeking to improve.
Conclusion
Watford’s pre-season has been an eye-opener, revealing the need for strategic signings to enhance the squad’s competitiveness. Tom Cleverley’s candid assessment post-Wycombe defeat underscores the urgency of the situation. As the new season looms, the onus is on Watford’s management to bring in the right players to ensure the team is ready to tackle the rigors of the Championship.
