Valérien Ismaël spoke to the media ahead of Watford’s Emirates FA Cup third round clash against Chesterfield on Saturday (January 6, 3pm KO).
The Head Coach discussed Graham Taylor Matchday, the importance of the FA Cup, the threat posed from the Spireites and more.
Read what he had to say below...
On Graham Taylor Matchday:
He was a great man, he’s a legend. I think it’s an honour for us to play that game. It’s a home game and an important game for everyone. It’s a game we take seriously.
He’s another reason we take the game seriously, just to make sure that we can win the game for him.
On the threat of Chesterfield:
It’s a challenge and we know that every cup game is difficult. We have to be very professional and play on our level.
We have to play with our intensity. We created a connection with our fans at the last game of the year against Stoke and I think it was a great atmosphere at the stadium.
Now I think that our desire for 2024 is to create home strength with our fans. It’s the first game of the year, it’s Graham Taylor Matchday, so there are a lot of reasons for us to focus on the game and we want to win the game.
It’s a big competition, it’s a tradition. We want to respect the FA Cup. We want to come through.
On Jorge Hurtado being in contention:
He’s got some experience and a better understanding [since his New York Red Bulls loan] so now it’s all about seeing him again throughout January to give him the opportunity, and maybe to discover a player able to help us to the next step.
On returning to 'normality' after the hectic Christmas schedule:
Training was a mixture between recovery and work. We know that the next game [after Chesterfield] against QPR is on the next Sunday so we have a lot of time to recover. We are really focused, the players want to play and we are ready to go.
It’s important [to have fewer games] just for the brain. [You have to deal with] the game stress, the travel stress, the emotions after the game...
Now we have more time to recover properly and have a proper week to work on our intensity, to work on our principles. It’s much better for us and gives us a clearer picture after that period as well.
Follow Live!
Domestic and overseas supporters can access live audio coverage of Watford v Chesterfield, via the Hornets’ Hive Live streaming service.
Click HERE for more information on how to follow the Emirates FA Cup clash from home.
