Watford Head Coach Claudio Ranieri has called on supporters to bring their “passion” to Vicarage Road on Friday night for the Hornets’ clash with Norwich City (January 21, 8pm KO).
Following the postponement of Watford’s trip to Burnley in midweek, all eyes have been on the weekend opener at The Vic, which sees 17th play 18th in the Premier League table and provides an opportunity for either side to distance themselves from the relegation zone.
Ranieri understands the magnitude of the fixture, but relishes the pressure of playing a side close to Watford in the standings, especially after a hard-fought draw against Newcastle last week.
“It’s very big,” the Italian said. “It was big against Newcastle, another clash between two teams who want to stay in the Premier League, and we need the support of our crowd, we need the passion, and I’m sure we will have a good match tomorrow.
“They won against Everton and now they are full of confidence but also we are full of confidence after we drew the match in the last minute against Newcastle.
“It is the right pressure, I am used to working with pressure. At Watford I put myself under pressure, I want to save Watford as soon as possible.”
Despite the postponement of the Burnley trip a positive for Ranieri was the opportunity for new signings Hassane Kamara, Samir and Edo Kayembe to enjoy a full week of training after their debuts at St James’ Park.
The Head Coach was encouraged by the trio’s first outing and confirmed they are in contention for the Friday night fixture.
“After their first match they trained and recovered very well and they are ready, I hope, to show the same performance, strength and quality,” said Ranieri, 70.
“[Samir] is an experienced player, a left-footed centre back, I didn't have that. Very attentive, he knows very well what I want. I saw a very compact team, and he closed the space very well.
“I think Kamara is a good left-back, he pushes very well. He is not 100 per cent but his experience and strength is very important for us.”
The Hornets’ boss has faith in his team to pick up the points needed for Premier League safety this season, and isn’t underestimating the upcoming match.
Although clean sheets have been a key target for Ranieri during his time so far at the helm, his priority is currently on progressing up the table in the top-flight.
The supporters, packed inside Vicarage Road and behind the Golden Boys, are vital according to the Italian.
“Our fans are very important for us, it is a crucial match and I hope Vicarage Road will be full of our passionate fans who will push behind us,” said Ranieri. “We together want to win this match.
“We have to win, but we don’t want to lose, it’s a very good match for the Premier League. They come with a lot of confidence after they won against Everton and we are confident and very happy after the draw against Newcastle. I think it will be a very good match.
“I see how the players work during training sessions, they are very focused, they train with heart and passion and they want to create a good atmosphere between us and the crowd to push together, to give satisfaction to our fans.
“If we win, clean sheets can wait! Now we need points, if we score one more than our opponent it is okay!”
