Ismaïla Sarr credits his own relentless form during the second half of this season to the attacking philosophy instilled by Xisco Muñoz since December.
The Senegalese winger has scored 10 goals since the Head Coach arrived at Watford, including the winner against Norwich City on Boxing Day which kept the dream of a top two finish alive and the penalty which sealed promotion against Millwall on Saturday.
“The style changed and ever since he came in, he’s wanted us to attack, attack, attack,” said Sarr. “I really like doing that and this new style has suited us.”
The 23-year-old was calm and collected when slotting home the winning goal from 12 yards against the Lions but, modest as ever, he won’t make the victory about himself.
“I just decided I wanted to take the penalty. It’s not the first time I’ve played football and it’s not the first time I’ve gone for a penalty,” he said.
“I’m very happy, and everyone is happy as well, because everyone did such a great job, from the players to the manager and the staff behind the scenes.”
Sarr’s form has been instrumental to Watford’s success yet the goals have been spread throughout the side, with a remarkable 15 different scorers in the league.
“I didn’t win anything. The whole team won,” he said.
“I just tried to do my job, creating dangerous situations and scoring goals. The reality is there’s been an effort from the whole group.
“Yes [it’s one of my career highlights] but we can still do better. The league is not finished, and we still have two games to go, so we have to carry on.”
During his maiden Premier League campaign in 2019/20, Sarr witnessed the highs and lows of the English top flight. He scored in wins against heavyweights Manchester United and Liverpool but ultimately suffered relegation behind closed doors due to the pandemic.
“I’m very happy now,” said Sarr. “The past is the past, it’s behind us. Now we have to look forward and come back and make sure we do well in the Premier League next season.
“I hope we can do well, and I also hope I can do better in the Premier League than I did this season. The only way to do so is to take our rest once the season is over and then come back and start working again and pushing as much as we can.”
