New Leicester Tigers head coach Geoff Parling admits his side remain a work in progress after their 76-26 pre-season victory over Nottingham at Welford Road.
The former England and British & Irish Lions lock, who took over from Michael Cheika in May, inherits a squad in transition following the departures of long-serving stalwarts Ben Youngs – a five-time Premiership champion – and fellow title-winner Dan Cole.
Reflecting on the win over the Championship outfit, Parling said his players were only “satisfactory”.
“There’s a lot of work to do just to create clarity in our game and that bit of cohesion,” he told My Newspaper Radio Leicester.
“People probably don’t realise how different this first-team group is. We’ve lost a lot of leaders – around 511 caps of experience. But that gives others the chance to step forward and make this their team.”
Parling has already put his stamp on the squad, signing six players over the summer and reshaping the backroom staff. Cole has transitioned into coaching, while Mike Forshaw, previously Wales’ defence coach, joins as assistant. Former Leicester centre Anthony Allen also returns in a coaching capacity.
The new era got off to a fast start against Nottingham, with summer signing Jamie Blamire crossing three times as Tigers ran in 12 tries. Still, Parling was far from satisfied.
“We compounded errors and conceded far too many points,” said the 41-year-old. “It was satisfactory overall, maybe. But Tigers fans expect an organised side that works relentlessly for each other.
We need a strong set piece, solid defence, and consistency across the basics. There’s work to do in all those areas.”
Parling, who twice lifted the Premiership during his playing days at Welford Road between 2009 and 2015, joined from Australia, where he was an assistant with the Wallabies as recently as August.
“It’s been a whirlwind,” he admitted. “I finished a Test on the Saturday, flew back to Melbourne Sunday, then we moved to Leicester on Monday. By Wednesday, I was straight into work.
I haven’t had time to reflect – but I’m enjoying it. This is a special club and community. People here have been incredibly welcoming, and I’m proud to represent it.”
Looking ahead, Parling wants his players to show greater consistency in both preparation and performance.
“My wife would say I’m never happy with anything,” he joked. “But we’ve got a hungry group. We need to apply ourselves to the basics every time, not just some of the time.”
Leicester’s preparations continue with a home clash against Saracens on Saturday (15:00 BST), followed by a trip to Harlequins on 19 September (19:45) in the Premiership Rugby Cup. Their Premiership campaign kicks off away at Bristol Bears on 28 September (15:30).
