Valérien Ismaël spoke to the media ahead of Watford’s clash at Leeds United on Saturday (September 23, 3pm KO), with the Hornets looking to claim their first away win of the season and stretch their unbeaten run to four matches.
Covering a range of topics, including how he hopes to build on Wednesday’s West Brom draw, Ryan Porteous’ injury situation and his thoughts on the Whites, read what the Head Coach had to say below…
On his team’s reaction following the point in midweek:
We had a meeting yesterday (Thursday) and analysed two main situations. The first thing we looked at was a combination of the mistakes we made during the game, and then we looked at the positives. I can assure you the players all had smiles on their faces after the meeting, because they saw all the good things we’ve been doing. We have shown that we can score goals and dominate the opponent, our problem has been that the opponent remains alive because of our mistakes. Our challenge is to cut out those mistakes, cut the opponent’s belief that they can score goals against us, and learn how to do things better.
We’ve talked about it a lot but it’s all part of the process. It was the same at my previous club, when you implement something and change the mindset. I know for the outside world everything is about the result, but as a team and as a club we are all aligned with what we are doing. I actually think with all the changes we’ve made that we’re moving quickly – now it’s just about getting the right balance on the pitch, maintaining our ability to score at any time and cutting our mistakes that are letting our opponents in.
On Ryan Porteous and the defensive situation:
He didn’t train yesterday, but he felt better when he woke up this morning and we will assess him before travelling up to Leeds. At the moment it’s a 50-50 situation whether he’ll be available or not.
We have options – if he cannot play it will give one of the other players a chance. We know it’s a long season and we’ve always said that we’re going to need everyone. Francisco Sierralta can drop deeper, we have Mattie Pollock, and Jake Livermore and Edo Kayembe can play there, so we have cover. I said at the start of the season I like to work with a smaller squad, and with players who are able to play a few different positions.
We’ve mixed the system up in different games too, and played three at the back against West Brom and Coventry. We’re flexible and able to change our shape as well if needed - it all depends on the situation, what the game plan is and the opponent.
On Jeremy Ngakia and the younger players:
We spoke to Jez after the game on Wednesday. He didn’t play a lot of games last season, and it’s all a process getting the players to their 100 per cent level. At some point he needs to be able to play 90 minutes at his top level three times a week, and we’re still getting to know him and the other guys better and learning what works best for them to give their maximum.
You have to deal with up and down performances from young players, it’s all a journey to establishing that consistency in every game. It’s the same with the likes of Ryan Andrews, Yáser [Asprilla] and Matheus [Martins] – it’s my job to help that process and make sure the players are playing with consistency.
On Mileta Rajović:
We believe in his quality, he needs to just keep working on adapting to his teammates and to the Championship. Again, it’s my job to improve the players, and we will improve him.
He scored three goals in two games and made a big impact since he arrived, so the opponents are aware of him which maybe makes things more difficult for him. It’s a normal process with a striker, he just needs to keep working and try and find those spaces inside the box.
On Leeds United:
I’m looking forward to the game, to playing a side who were in the Premier League last season and who have big ambitions. We are a team who are able to stand up to a team like Leeds, we are able to perform and that is what we want to do. We will give everything to win the game tomorrow.
On how the Championship is shaping up:
From my experience in this league I already knew it was very strong, but this year in particular it’s almost like a Premier League B. Still, we’ve seen that anyone can beat anyone, and you always know you are going to have a good run and a bad run. The challenge is trying to play with consistency, and picking up the points you need to reach your purpose at the end of the season. There’s still a long way to go and it’s going to be a fight, but we’re still improving and moving forward so there’s lots to be positive about.
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