Watford manager Tom Cleverley discusses Middlesbrough’s triumph and Liverpool’s Ben Doak.

WATFORD manager Tom Cleverley was pleased with how his players “suffered” against Middlesbrough, but admits he had to change his preferred method in Saturday’s win at Vicarage Road.

Cleverley recognized the value of Watford’s effort without the ball ahead of Boro’s visit, despite his team’s lack of possession (less than 40%).

The Watford manager traveled to the Hawthorns on a scouting tour on Tuesday night and was quite pleased with Boro’s victory over West Brom, particularly Ben Doak. He was also full of praise for his left wing-back, Ken Sema, who did an excellent job of shackling the Liverpool loan player.

“I thought he was fantastic today,” Cleverley commented.

“Doak is a really explosive player. I went to watch Middlesbrough on Tuesday and was quite pleased by Doak. I think Ken controlled him brilliantly, and I was really happy with his performance.”

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Cleverley was pleased with his team on the whole. Watford appeared destined to suffer their first home defeat of the season when George Edmundson put Boro ahead, but the Hornets upset Michael Carrick’s side with late goals from replacements Edo Kayembe and Kwadwo Baah.

Cleverley said the late show was a reward for his team’s previous hard work. And, like Derby manager Paul Warne earlier this season, Cleverley said he had to change his typical tactics for Boro’s visit.

“To compete against the quality of the opposition is really encouraging,” he told me.

“You understand that against Middlesbrough, you will be without the ball for some time. That was the best approach for me to reply, and we’ve demonstrated our credentials today.

“We knew we’d have to be sturdy because they’re a team that likes to attack through the middle of the pitch with two midfielders and two number tens, with Hamilton going in beside Azaz. So if you lose discipline once, it’s like a knife through butter.

“It requires 95 minutes of attention, which is difficult on the legs, but the guys accomplished it flawlessly. We don’t want to be a counter-attacking club, but if we have to, we have the skills to do so, and I thought the guys were great.

“We played against a strong team today, and you have to absorb when the competition is that good. I’m really happy for the boys. We had to be patient; we stayed in the game despite being down one, and then our substitutes came on, had an impact, and won us the game. It’s a big win, and I’m incredibly happy.”

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