TOM Cleverley says restoring passion and intensity to the lackluster 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.
Denne historien er fra March 17, 2024-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
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Denne historien er fra March 17, 2024-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
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