Everything Paul Heckingbottom said on Preston North End’s defence, league position, Emil Riis form and Watford.
The PNE boss addressed the media prior to North End’s game against Watford on Wednesday night. The team is returning to Deepdale after a very difficult day in The Den. With one victory, two draws, and two losses thus far, Heckingbottom’s team is leading by a significant margin at home.
The Preston manager was questioned on a number of topics during his pre-game press conference on Monday morning before taking on Tom Cleverley’s squad.
Heckingbottom remarked, “If it was that simple, we would have him do it wouldn’t we?” “Emil has a history of, if you will, obtaining things in gluts. After the Oxford game, we were hopeful it would occur. Not only are we placing it on Emil. Ten more guys are still on the field. However, Emil is a player who is aware of his objectives. When it comes to where the opportunities have come from, his objectives have generally been fairly similar. It is making sure he understands that and getting him in those places. Okay, let’s get to work.
On the concerns around a lack of pace in PNE’s defence
Heckingbottom answered, “Yeah listen, I have had that thrown all the time.” “The pace at the back is not the issue. When you give up goals, you always seem to be lacking in pace. Unquestionably, scoring goals at the top of the game and maintaining clean sheets at the back determine who wins and loses. Naturally, you always want superior players at every position. That is all; obtaining them is an other matter. You constantly want to bolster the team every window. The following one won’t be any different.
On whether the league position is any concern
“No, not for me at the minute,” said Heckingbottom. “But, we don’t want to be down there. So, the sooner you get wins and start looking up rather than down, the better. I think, at the minute, it’s more about us focusing on what we want to do, to be a more competitive team and a team that picks up more points than we have been doing. We have shown lots of signs of doing that, in all areas of the pitch. But, Saturday was a big reminder of what’s going to happen if you don’t produce those performances in this league – especially away from home.”
On Tom Cleverley and Watford
Heckingbottom remarked, “I don’t think they were ever going to struggle with the calibre of players they have.” “I believe there may have been a small adjustment in expectations. They may have anticipated placing in the top six throughout the previous two years. Up until maybe now, I haven’t heard too many people talk about them this season. They had a respectable beginning, a few questionable outcomes, and then another victory.
They are undoubtedly capable of competing at that level. It wouldn’t shock me if they placed among the top six. However, they’re heading to Deepdale, and as I usually say, I don’t really care who’s in front of us. Without intending to offend Watford, we have demonstrated it to everyone
On debriefing Millwall, whether anything new was learned and fitness demands
Heckingbottom stated, “We have been (asking them to go to new levels).” “In the first few games, we have certainly produced the biggest numbers they’ve done in a long time. Once more, it serves as a reminder that not all games require you to drop off. Thus, for instance, we occasionally did not run as fast or cover as much ground in our sprints against Fulham as we had in previous games.
“Because the game was very different and we had to be compact.” Thus, they’re all distinct games with varying outcomes based on the tactical challenges that are presented. However, the players undoubtedly observed and comprehended what I mean when I say that in order to affect the game, we must increase our energy in particular areas.
On having to balance learning about the squad but picking up results now
Heckingbottom responded, “Yeah, I think in the long run you want to try and create an identity and change performances, because that’s what’s going to help you outcompete teams, maybe with more resources.” We are aware of that, but in the near term, winning the next game and scoring three points is everything. We have played some pretty well, won some, perhaps drew more than I would have liked, and lost a few, which I am not thrilled with. Thus, yes, we do want the three criteria, and the goal must be to convert performances into outcomes.
On evolving the team and wanting it to reflect him with time
Heckingbottom said, “Yeah, so on Saturday, for instance, we really dominated the ball, but you look at how many real big moments and chances came from us almost walking the ball into the net – that is very difficult to do.” To control a game and get it to the upper end of the pitch, you must dominate the ball. Then, risk possession, lose the ball, but be aggressive and win it back. You will then have a higher chance of creating an opportunity. That portion of the game was therefore distinct from what we have been creating.
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