Valérien Ismaël spoke to the media ahead of Watford’s Sky Bet Championship clash at QPR on Sunday (January 14, 12noon KO).
The Head Coach discussed the challenge the Hoops will provide, the past week in training and his experience of the Graham Taylor Matchday.
Read what he had to say below...
On the challenge from QPR:
First of all, it is an away game, they are always tough, so we know we have to be ready and make sure we do the basics right. The second thing is they’ve changed their manager so it’s another team, a more possession-based team. It means there will be more intensity in the game, so we need to be ready for that. We are focused and ready for the challenge.
On QPR boss Marti Cifuentes:
I think it is always tough to change the mentality when you come midway through the season. I had the same experience at Barnsley. They have made things difficult for their opponents with their new manager.
On the gap between matches after Christmas:
We had to work very intense during that period and we had to allow time for players to recover. We trained tactically and trained properly with the same intensity as in the game, but when you play Saturday, Tuesday, you are not able to train with that same intensity, and it makes a big difference. We are able to manage it, that is not the problem, but it makes a big difference. When you have a week to prepare for the game it’s easier for us.
On the transfer window:
We have some ideas on what we want to do. It depends on the opportunities we can get. The January window is always tough as you either sign a player on loan or pay a lot of money to get the player you want. It’s always [hard] to find the balance. We have to be patient, but we are working. We don’t need a squad too big; we have done that for the first seven months. We have a lot of games and I want everyone to be involved.
On competing in the Sky Bet Championship:
We have more certainty now in our games. We compete with all of the teams in the league. We are ready tactically, mentally, physically, which is the most important thing. We are able to score goals from the very first minute to the very last. The team shows a lot of mentality in a lot of games, quality as well. Now it is about the consistency to get the points as all the teams have quality, it’s all about which teams have the consistency on the run-in that will put you in a great position.
On Graham Taylor Matchday against Chesterfield:
It was a great moment. I think before the game and after the game, the feeling you get [was great] and learning the history of a big legend. I’m very relieved and pleased that we got the win for him.
Follow Live!
Domestic and overseas supporters can access live coverage of QPR v Watford, via the Hornets’ Hive Live service.
Click HERE for more information on how to follow the Sky Bet Championship clash from home.
