Interim boss Tom calls for intensity
TOM Cleverley says restoring passion and intensity to the lacklustre Hornets is his first priority after taking charge at Vicarage Road until the end of the season.
The 34-year-old replaced Valerien Ismael, right, who was sacked after a run of six defeats from eight games left the one-time play-off hopefuls stuck in mid-table.
Recent performances have been notable for a lack of urgency, with stats showing a sharp decline in both pressing actions and high-intensity sprints.
And whilst Cleverley admits the top six is long gone, he is determined to give disillusioned supporters - who have not seen their side win a league game on home turf since November - a team they can get behind.
“That’s very important to me, probably the No.1 priority,” says the former Manchester United and England midfielder.
“That’s how I played - passionate, high energy, high effort. If you control the controllables as a player then you won’t go far wrong and that will be one of the key principles in my team.
“I’m well aware that things have dropped off lately but I don’t see a group of players who aren’t working for each other and I don’t see a group of players who weren’t working for the previous manager.
“What I see is a team with no confidence. When results slide and performances dip, lots of things come in. Pressure comes in, nervous energy comes in.
“My job now is to address those things. I have to make sure that we’re a team on the front foot, that we’re aggressive and intense.
“I want everyone associated with Watford to finish the sea son on a high and go away feeling enthusiastic and full of optimism for next season.”
Enthusiastic
A popular figure at Vicarage Road, Cleverley made over 180 appearances for the Hornets over two separate spells and was club captain prior to his retirement through injury last summer.
He has since been working in the club’s academy as an Under-18 coach and says managing Watford represents the fulfilment of a long-term ambition.
“It’s been a dream of mine to manage this club,” adds Cleverley, who says he will tap his old United boss Sir Alex Ferguson for advice in the coming weeks.
“It probably started when I came back to Watford from Everton, so January 2017. I saw a lot of young players and I thou
