The Hornets suffered a defeat to Championship leaders Leicester last Saturday, adding to the pressure for a win in their upcoming match in order to restore confidence within the team. Ismael, the manager, believes that Watford’s league placing highlights the strength of the teams competing in the league this season. The upcoming match would allow Watford to leapfrog over Norwich, a team that has recently seen victories over Cardiff and QPR. Ismael recognizes the challenge of the Championship, acknowledging that anyone can defeat anyone and emphasizing the importance of focus, preparation, and confidence when playing at home.
Like Norwich, Watford is aiming to achieve a better balance between defensive stability and attacking freedom. Despite being among the better teams in terms of defensive capabilities, Watford has struggled to consistently score goals throughout their Championship campaign. Ismael is relying on the home advantage and seeking to capitalize on it against Norwich. Their previous game at Vicarage Road saw them score five goals against Rotherham, providing the Hornets with a boost of confidence ahead of their upcoming match. Ismael emphasizes the importance of finding the right balance for the team and ensuring that they have confidence and stability in their gameplay.
Ismael is hopeful that Watford can develop a more stable defense, as they have been conceding fewer goals recently, particularly from open play. He notes that their opponents and the match situation play a key role in determining their approach, and highlights the importance of minimizing mistakes in build-up play. Ismael emphasizes the need to find the right balance, focusing on the team’s stability, confidence, and reducing errors. The Hornets are aiming to return to winning ways against Norwich City and the manager is cognizant of the significance of the match, recognizing the need to capitalize on their home advantage and continue to build on their progress in defense and attacking play.
