Cleverley advises Mousinho to 'look at his own behaviour'
Watford boss Tom Cleverley said his Portsmouth equivalent should look at his own behaviour after John Mousinho was very critical of Kwadwo Baah after the game.
Baah was shown a second yellow card after the final whistle following his general behaviour towards the visiting fans at the end of the game.
Mousinho told the media that had Baah – who will now be suspended for Sunday’s game with Cardiff – been one of his players, he might never play for him again as a result of what he did in front of the Vicarage Road end.
Cleverley was far from happy about what Mousinho said.
“There was a group of players who kept their heads during the second half, and I think that was radiated from our bench,” the Hornets head coach said.
“And there was a group of players who lost their heads in the second half, and that was radiated from their bench.
“I think that John should maybe look at his own behaviour, and I will deal with Baah internally.
“I’m disappointed in John’s comments as I thought his own behaviour was what ultimately cost his team in the second half.”
The Pompey manager said little about his own players' actions during the game, not least a bad tackle on Mattie Pollock that only resulted in a booking.
“He’s not going to, is he?” said Cleverley.
“I didn’t want to get into it to be honest, but his conduct on the side is certainly how not to do it.
“I’ve been no angel since the start of the season, and for some games this season.
“But to come out and hear that John has been commenting on my players is disappointing.”
However, Cleverley was equally unimpressed with what Baah did – and he had to rush onto the pitch to stop things getting worse.
“This is a season full of first experiences for me, and I was maybe showing my experience as a player,” he said.
“You want to win with humility and dignity, and I’ve said before I want all my players to develop, to play in arenas and be under the microscope.
“Baah needs to get used to it, that sort of scrutiny.
“He’ll get abuse at times and he has to deal with it better. Now he’s learning his lesson the hard way.
“I’m disappointed with that, but I thought he had a great game and if there is one bad taste left from all of it, then it’s his suspension for Sunday.
“We have to say he deserves it. We’re told as players and coaches that you can’t goad the supporters because of the hostile environment that will cause.”
