Pearson demands true grit to ensure Watford’s survival
BURNLEY V WATFORD 6PM
NIGEL PEARSON has told hisWatford players their mentality will be the key to survival.
Pearson has the know-how, having guided Leicester to a great escape in 2015 – andWatford launched their comeback with a battling draw against the Foxes on Saturday.
Pearson’s trusty lieutenant at Watford, Craig Shakespeare, said: “We’ve spoken about a nine-game tournament and after Leicester it did feel like that.
“The mental side of it should not be underestimated and the players are aware of that.
“You talk about ability but also with the mentality and resilience, drive – all those things matter when you’re playing in a short space of time and you have to recover and go again.
“We now go to a tough place in Burnley, regardless of whether the crowd are there or not, so that mental side of it should never be underestimated.”
Watford have made strides under Pearson, climbing from rock bottom, upsetting Liverpool – and their last-gasp 1-1 draw against Leicester showed their spirit.
That Pearson and Shakespeare worked together at Leicester is certain to give the players belief.
“Although we’ve been there and done it, players will only listen if the information you give them is not only constructive but also the right information,” added Shakespeare.
“We do have some strong personalities and I would also say that some of the lesser ones, who aren’t as vocal, still have some good opinions.
“As a coach it is important to ask for their opinions as well, because the louder ones will voice theirs even when not asked!”
Meanwhile, Sean Dyche has told the
Burnley board they need to invest to boost his “skinny squad”.
Dyche achieved a partial victory when they re-signed Phil Bardsley on a 12-month contract three days after releasing him.
But Dyche has lost Jeff Hendrick, Joe Hart and Aaron Lennon on frees and he said: “I don’t know about our situation budget-wise – I very rarely do – so I’ll have to wait and see.
“But there will need to be a push in the market at some point because we have a very skinny squad.”