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Championship: Blackpool manager Jose Riga feels they need a leader

Jose Riga, Blackpool manager
Image: Jose Riga: Blackpool must be more clinical

Blackpool manager Jose Riga admits his side must be more clinical in front of goal and find a natural leader after another indecisive display saw his side lose 1-0 at home to Watford.

Matej Vydra's second-half penalty proved to be the winner at Bloomfield Road, although Blackpool substitute Nile Ranger wasted a glorious chance of his own to level from the penalty spot with 10 minutes to go.

Blackpool’s only point of the season came in a goalless draw with Wolves and having witnessed his side come struggle again, Riga believes someone must step up and take responsibility to get the team converting their chances.

"It was a big disappointment. We had the same opportunity that Watford took advantage of and we missed this opportunity," said Riga.

"I think we should have (had another penalty) at the end for Ishmael Miller because he cannot get the ball when there is contact, but sometimes when you are better you do not receive what you deserve.

"The players deserve more for the commitment and the belief. We had enough opportunities to get a good result and the players have fought together.

"My team were very good but it's always the same story - we are consistent in the game, even in the opening (minutes) when we gave away the ball every time.

"When I analyse our games we have the same opportunities, sometimes more, but we lack efficiency. We need a decisive player. I know that as a team to be effective you have to make the right choices."

Watford head coach Oscar Garcia missed the game after being taken to hospital on Monday suffering from chest pains but assistants Ruben Martinez and Javier Pereira guided them to victory in his absence.

"He has a lot of confidence in me and Javi (Pereira). We have the same style, the same ideas. He needs rest, as everybody knows," said Martinez.

"This victory is very good news, of course but we have to improve on certain things. We have to analyse them and find solutions.

"In the last game we started with three-five-two but after 20 minutes we changed and we decided to take a similar style for this game.

"At the moment we don't want to have a lot of change. This is a difficult week because we have three matches and we want to work step-by-step.

"It is important for Matej (Vydra) that he plays like a second striker to score goals. It is very important for his confidence, but the first step is to work for the team and after that the goals will come."

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