Wigan Athletic manager Gary Caldwell has identified areas needing improvement following a 3-1 pre-season defeat to Port Vale at the Brick Community Stadium.
Harrison Rimmer scored for Latics late in the match. Port Vale's goals came through Rhys Walters' brace and a trialist.
Caldwell's Assessment
Caldwell told Latics TV that the team started slowly but improved as the game progressed, particularly after tactical changes in the final 30 minutes.
"There's loads to learn and loads to take away from today," Caldwell said.
Building Towards the Season
Caldwell stressed that pre-season remains a crucial period for building match fitness and team understanding. Three more friendlies are scheduled before the 2026/27 Sky Bet League One campaign begins in August.
The manager emphasized the need to address the factors behind the loss while continuing to develop cohesion among the squad, including recent arrivals Joe Walsh, Max Power, Connor Barrett and Sonny Perkins.