‘He has to improve more’: Manager admits player is struggling for fitness after Tottenham exit

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Tottenham Hotspur allowed Danny Rose to leave the club at the end of last season – and his struggles at Watford suggest it was the right decision.

Rose’s emotional Tottenham exit

Rose was part of the furniture at Tottenham.

The left back joined Tottenham from Leeds United back in 2007 and ended up becoming a regular starter.

Rose ended up making 214 appearances for Tottenham in a 14-year spell with the club.

Many will remember Rose’s time under Mauricio Pochettino, in which he became one of the top left backs in Europe.

Rose was a swashbuckling left back, bombing forward just like Kyle Walker on the right side.

Rose fell away though and made just 12 Premier League appearances for Tottenham last season.

When Rose’s contract came to an end last summer, Tottenham decided to let him go in an emotional exit.

Rose had the freedom to pick his next club – and didn’t move all that far away.

Ranieri wants more from Rose at Watford

Whilst some thought Rose would end up heading back up north, he actually joined Watford.

Rose joined the Hornets following their promotion to the Premier League, reuniting with Moussa Sissoko at Vicarage Road.

The 31-year-old has managed seven Premier League starts for Watford this season.

Some have seen Rose struggle this season, especially against Mohamed Salah. Then again, who hasn’t struggled against the Liverpool hero this season?

Rose was benched for Watford against Brentford on Friday, with Jeremy Ngakia preferred at left back.

Watford boss Claudio Ranieri has admitted to The Sun that he needs more from Rose.

Ranieri admitted that Rose is lacking fitness after a frustrating season at Tottenham, and whilst he is confident in him getting back to his best, it may take a while.

“I am very confident with him but he has to improve more,” said Ranieri. “I remember Danny when he played at Tottenham and the England national team and I need this Danny. I think it is more fitness than a confidence issue.”

“When he came he was down on fitness and now he has improved a lot but he needs to improve more. It is difficult though to say how long that will take,” he added.