Hornets forward Cucho Hernández is looking ahead to the Everton encounter at Goodison Park this Saturday (October 23), with the Colombian expecting an improved performance from the team in the Premier League.
After making his first league start against Liverpool, the 22-year-old is hopeful of featuring against the Toffees after a good week in training with Head Coach Claudio Ranieri at the helm.
“I always try to give my 100 per cent and beyond in training,” Hernández said.
“I love playing and that’s why I’m here - to play games. If the manager doesn’t choose me for the squad, which is my goal, I will sit down and wait for my opportunity and keep doing the best for my team.
“We’ve been working with Ranieri for two weeks and we have to be able to put on the pitch his idea of football that he is trying to pass on to the team.
“Of course, it will be very important to get points and score a goal. But most important is to show the manager that we are doing what he wants and try our best to.
“The main goal is to survive and stay up in the Premier League for next season. We will keep fighting for this and everything beyond will be okay, but our focus is staying in the Premier League.”
Despite having only worked with Ranieri for a short period of time Hernández can already see differences in the Watford side, thanks to the Italian’s prior experience and knowledge.
“I love working with Mr. Ranieri,” Hernández said.
“He is obviously so experienced; he’s won trophies pretty much everywhere he has been. He is very energetic and I respect every coach I work with, but he has such a great experience that he can pass on the energy. He always tries to give the best for us to be ready for the game on Saturday.
“The key for what he [Ranieri] wants is the intensity in training. It doesn’t matter whether it is a light training session, he always wants it to be 100 per cent. This is what has been the key factor of Ranieri. There is no difference between training and the game on Saturday. He always wants full energy and intensity ahead of Saturday.”
Before making his first appearance for Watford in the season-opening win over Aston Villa, Hernández spent a few years on loan in the Spanish La Liga. But he believes nothing compares to the challenge of the Premier League.
“I’ve played in Spain the last three seasons, but in three months here I realised that this is the top league in the world and the toughest league in the world,” he explained.
“I’m not happy at all [with the league position], we have to be higher up in the table. But of course, every game is so tough, so we have to keep playing game by game. There is still a long journey to go through and we will try to improve as soon as possible.
“What I’m trying to do is keep working hard every day to keep up.”
Hernández wasted no time in introducing himself to the Watford faithful after coming off the bench in that August clash against Villa at Vicarage Road.
Just 47 seconds into his debut he curled the ball into the far top corner producing an almighty roar from the supporters in attendance. Hernández has tried to use that moment to continue his development ahead of Everton.
“I’m getting minutes and scored my goal, I’m always trying my best to help the team to improve so overall I’m happy,” he added.
“Everything is fine, the club is always treating me properly, my teammates as well. I love the area, the only problem is with English but I’m improving. I’m quite a positive person, always trying to pass on these positive vibes to other people.
“Of course, I want to score goals but I also want to provide assists to my teammates so we can score goals and win the game.”
The Colombia international is also known for his versatility on the pitch, allowing his managers to utilise his qualities in different areas of the front line. The forward, however, is hoping to make a specific position his own against the blue half of Merseyside.
“I have played different positions this season - I’ve been a winger or a striker,” he said.
“These last couple of months I’ve played more as a winger which is what I really love because I can be more dangerous with my skills and quality. I still have to show more work and hopefully from Saturday [against Everton] I can prove it.”
Join host Jon Marks and Hornets legend Tommy Mooney for free live commentary from Goodison Park, by heading to www.watfordfc.com/live from 2.45pm (3pm kick-off).
