Shaun Maloney | Watford (A) Reaction
Latics manager reflects on 1-1 draw against Watford
- Shaun Maloney | Watford (A) Reaction
- Latics manager proud after second half display
- Maloney also admits "we need clarity" on wage situation
- Manager and CEO to fly to Bahrain for talks this evening
Shaun Maloney couldn't be prouder of his players after their heroic second half effort clinched a well-earnt 1-1 draw with Watford at Vicarage Road after such a difficult week.
It was a determined performance from the Tics after a tough few days for the playing group and staff, but the point only emphasises the fight and spirit that lies within the Latics dressing room.
James McClean's second half header earnt a vital point and the Latics could have won it late on, but it was the manner of the performance which pleased Maloney most with his players still waiting for wage payments.
Maloney and CEO Mal Brannigan will now fly to Bahrain this evening for talks with the owners and the Gaffer admitted, "It is a necessity we get clarity for the supporters, for the players and staff".
Speaking to Latics TV post-match, Maloney said: “Very [proud]. I thought they were brilliant second half against a good Watford team. They had really big threats but I thought we were brilliant.
"I thought we were Ok first half, but we could have been better. It was a real poor goal to lose from our own goal kick, but second half we were very good. The substitutes who came on made a difference and if we were more ruthless in the second half we could have won that game.
“What you saw in the second half was a team who went toe to toe with Watford. This team has to start believing that when we are at our very best we can be a very difficult team to beat and a good team.
"Second half we made a tactical change and I thought we were excellent. To a man I thought they were outstanding today. I was disappointed not to win the game as well given the chances we created."
On the fans and the difference they made yet again, Maloney added: "The last 24 hours has been very hard again, he continued. "There has been a definite change in the atmosphere which is understandable given the uncertainty. I was concerned how resilient we would be if we went behind, but they answered everything.
"The fans were amazing and they have now got a team that give them absolutely everything. I hope they are happy with that performances and I want to give the players the credit they deserve today."
Maloney's players are still waiting for payment of their wages and Maloney admitted that "clarity" is a must when he joins CEO Mal Brannigan in Bahrain this weekend.
"I understand the magnitude of the situation and I think it is a necessity we get clarity for the supporters, for the players and staff on what the short term looks like and obviously what we are looking at the long term too.
"When I have that I can stand in front of the camera again, but today I want to speak about my players because they gave me everything. We have to be very pleased and proud of what they gave us."