Rob Edwards has urged his players to provide a quick response to Saturday’s QPR defeat ahead of Tuesday night’s visit of Middlesbrough (August 30, 8pm KO), with the Head Coach itching for a performance and a result to cap the planned Vic 100 celebrations.
The Hornets suffered their first league defeat of the season at home to the Rs last time out, with a lively encounter ending in favour of the opposition despite goals from Ken Sema and João Pedro highlighting some positive attacking play.
With a quick turnaround before the next match Edwards explained that work back at the training ground has continued in earnest over the bank holiday, and he is confident from what he has seen and heard that the team can deliver a performance for the fans to be proud of.
The Boro clash coincides with the 100-year anniversary of Watford’s first match at Vicarage Road - with a host of celebrations and festivities planned throughout the evening - and Edwards is hoping he and his players can add to the smiles in the stadium.
“We were in on Sunday for a recovery session, and those that didn’t get as many minutes trained,” the 39-year-old said. “Today we’ve had a good meeting, looking ahead to Middlesbrough but also having a bit of a review of Saturday.
“The message has been clear - there are areas we know we need to improve, but there wasn’t loads and loads wrong against QPR. The players are clear with what they need to do and they’re focused on getting it right.
“We need to look ahead now to another big challenge against Middlesbrough on Tuesday night, because the games are coming thick and fast. We’re all looking forward to this one because of the special occasion.
“I’m very proud to be involved in it, and I’m sure us and the fans will be able to bounce off each other. The players will obviously be aware of the significance of the night, but I want them focused on the game itself because it’s going to be a tough game.”
-dynamic_image.jpg)
Middlesbrough have endured a somewhat challenging start to the 2022/23 league season, with Chris Wilder’s men currently sitting in 18th place having secured their first victory of the season against Swansea City on Saturday.
But with that winning momentum, and a manager rated highly by Edwards, the Watford boss is clear that the four-time second-tier champions pose plenty of threats on the pitch.
Edwards said: “Middlesbrough are a really well-oiled, well coached team. Chris Wilder is a vastly experienced coach, and he’s had huge success so he certainly knows what it takes at this level.
“They’ve got a clear identity, and some brilliant players with a great mix of youth and experience. It’s no doubt going to be a tough game, but I’m sure they’ll be expecting the same and it’s our job to make it as hard as possible for them.”
Finally, Edwards provided an update on some of the players currently out injured, with Rey Manaj set for a spell on the sidelines after limping off with a hamstring problem against QPR.
“Rey will be missing on Tuesday,” he added. “He had to come off on Saturday and he’s probably going to be out for a number of weeks now, which is a shame.
“There isn’t much change with most of the other guys. It’s a bit too soon for Tom Cleverley, Imrân Louza, Samuel Kalu and Jeremy Ngakia, and Tom Dele-Bashiru remains out as well.
“Keinan Davis and Kortney Hause haven’t featured properly yet, but they’re getting there. This game will probably come too soon for Keinan after his illness, but Kortney is in contention.
“Regardless of the injuries we’ll be able to pick a strong, competitive squad, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what they produce.”
