Watford boss Valerien Ismael takes action over the “lazy attitude” of players after five turned up late for a training session.
The 47 year old will take charge of his first competitive match of the Hornets when they play host QPR in their Championship opener on Saturday afternoon.
He recommended a number of changes were needed after coming into the club, with 14 players sold, released or sent out on loan.
Ismael talks about why changing the #watfordfc mentality was his priority, how his leadership group have put rules in place, and why he chose Daniel Bachmann as captain https://t.co/bRMkrZYJa7
— Andrew French (@androofrench) August 4, 2023
It was time for a “clean out” at #watfordfc says Ismael https://t.co/2upzQoqh99
— Andrew French (@androofrench) August 4, 2023
“The board was unhappy, not only about the results but the way things happened.
“It was about assessing the situation with the experience of the board and my ideas. It was clear that if we want to make things happen, and change the mindset of the club and the players, you need to have a clean out. That makes sure you can restart properly.
“We wanted players who are more hungry, who have more desire on the pitch, and who are more ready to go again to prove something.
“That is the way we decided to go, all together. This is our way, and we are very strong on that way with the board, and we will continue that way.”
He revealed: “From day one, when I met the board, we spoke about the mentality and it was clear that if you wanted to change the mindset, you needed a clear-out and to bring in players who were more hungry, with more desire and more ready to prove something.
“On the first day of training, five players came too late. Maybe it was an old habit, but now every player is punctual. We put rules in place to change the lazy attitude and for them to understand you are here to perform and be professional.
“It’s a privilege to be a professional footballer, so make sure you have the right attitude when you come in every day. That was the message, and now we are satisfied. Everyone is motivated by a big desire and the second step is to make a strong start, but the truth is on the pitch.
“All the players going out was a clear decision taken with the board. We knew exactly what we wanted to do and that we needed to change a lot, so there was going to be a transition, but we still have good quality in the squad.
“The board gave me the feeling that I am the right manager for the club. It’s difficult to promise a lot of things, but the team we send on to the pitch will play with high intensity, energy and we will play good football as well – now it is all about the attitude.
“In the Championship it’s not always the best teams in the play-offs or going up, it’s the teams with a big mentality and big togetherness.
“Yes, we have lost quality but I think we win a lot of mentality, togetherness, work ethic, a big desire to do better. The players were not satisfied about last season and they are ready to take ownership and responsibility for that.”
This is how fans reacted as the Watford boss takes action over “lazy attitude” of his players after five turned up late for training…
@wfccaity: Name and shame
@MikeyAbrahams1: And yet in no way unexpected
@piffpuffpoof: Ismael is saying the right things so far, but we all know he won’t see out the season #watfordfc
@FroomyWFC: No expectation for this season but still buzzing for it all to start! Can’t beat match day experience even if the footy is dodgy! Hopefully a good start with a few signings to come in before window closes.Whatever happens off out after to celebrate sons 21st! Orns! 🍺 #watfordfc
@WFCPaulH:
Minimum requirements.
1. 11 on the pitch who look like they can be arsed.
2. Game management/proactivity. No playing ok for the first 15 mins, crumble then give it a go for the last 10 in a bid to save face.
Expectations low. I’ll care more if they care more.
@wfcHJames: Christ thats shocking
@rachel_sg: Omg they are such stupid entitled pricks 🤣🤣
@fO0tball_life: Wow! Would love to know who the players were. You’d like to think they would be out to impress the new gaffer, so on that basis they were probably players who knew they were leaving.
@MuckyFinger: And this ladies and gentlemen is the culture that Pozzo has created. Not going to know who the 5 are but would love to know if they’ve gone or are still here
@Hornetswarm1: Pathetic from supposed professionals.
@DanHarvey74: The body language of some of the players on that first day back video said a lot whether they were punctual or not; scruffy, disinterested and bored looking.
@alex_WFC18: Even though the football has the potential to be 💩 (again) it’s still a buzz to have the season back. Back in the boozer with your mates 🍻 and heading over to the vic again to watch the boys. Let’s just hope it’s better than last season. Come on you orns! #watfordfc 🐝💛❤️🖤
@stephenbaldwin2: Despite my views on the ownership and how we are run. Can’t wait to go to the Vic today , expectations are low , weather is shit and feeling a bit low , however up the horns , let’s go and go well #watfordfc
@LauraGoodes: Is this going to be a mediocre season with lots of changes, including managers? Most likely. Have I been awake since 0600 as I’m over excited about the start of the new season? You bet! We love our team despite what it puts us through! #watfordfc
@emetnik: We’re the underdogs again. Where we like to be. We’ve had good preparation. We’ve streamlined the squad. There will be team chemistry and commitment again. We have lots of young talent. Let’s do this. COYH. #watfordfc
@AvroRedgrave: Call me crazy, but I’m feeling positive about #WatfordFC on Day 1. The revamp is in full swing and, regardless of results, it looks like we’ll play how a Watford side should – with aggression and intensity. Curse them for giving me hope! Up the Watty!
@petejon26166799: I’d like to know how much the latecomers were fined. So disrespectful and needs stamping out right from the off
@TBBodell: Talk about getting off on the right foot! If we ‘only’ change the mentality and culture without troubling the top half, I’m here for it. It’s so long overdue. #WatfordFC
@Sam_ucko: The minimum ask is for every player to give at least 100%. Let’s get behind them. New season, pretty much a new team, so a fresh slate for me. Come on Watford 💛 #WatfordFC
— Do Not Scratch Your Eyes Watford FC Podcast 🐝 (@DNSYE_podcast) August 4, 2023
You must be logged in to post a comment Login