Ranieri: “I Expect A Big Battle”

By: Watford FC Staff

Hornets Head Coach Claudio Ranieri is expecting “a big battle” in tomorrow’s mouth-watering clash against Burnley (January 18, 7:30pm KO) at Turf Moor.

The Golden Boys face the Clarets and Norwich City in another crucial week in the Premier League. The Italian acknowledged the importance of the upcoming games, but is looking forward to the challenge.

“We knew how important this week was going to be before the Newcastle match,” said Ranieri, 70.

“Now we are past Newcastle and our focus is against Burnley. They are a very good team, very solid. I expect a big battle. Burnley is one of the best teams at putting the ball in the opponent’s box. We have to be very careful and play our football.

“It’s important not to lose the game and make another good match with the right attitude and passion. We know we are in a relegation battle and Burnley is a solid and strong team. It’ll be a battle and we must be ready.

“I know it will be crucial for us and for them. It’s not finished [after the Burnley match], but it will be very important to leave Burnley with the right result.”

Following on from a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United last Saturday (January 15), Ranieri believes that his side will take confidence from their performance, in preparation of facing Burnley.

“I think it was a very important point against Newcastle,” he said.

“We never gave up, we fought until the end and in the last few minutes, we drew the match. I think that it’s very important for us because we conceded very few chances against Newcastle.

“I am a passionate man, and all my players have passion for this club, for our fans. Of course, we created two or three big chances to draw the match and we left them just one chance in the second half and they scored one goal. Afterwards, they didn’t shoot on goal anymore.

“We have to improve, of course, but I am very confident.”

João Pedro notched his second Premier League goal of the season against the Magpies, with Ranieri pleased with the Brazilian’s exploits. However, the Head Coach is looking for all the forwards to shine in their roles against the Clarets.

“For me, João Pedro is young and has to improve a lot, but he is one of the best young players in the Premier League,” Ranieri said.

“He is a very good player, but we have to leave him to improve slowly without pressure on him. He has to improve a lot and he has very good skills.

“We have very good strikers with skill who are very fast. Against a solid team it’s much better to play on the ground, play very fast and we will try to do our best. We are ready for the battle now.”

The Newcastle match also saw recent arrivals Hassane Kamara, Samir and Edo Kayembe make their debuts for the Golden Boys.

Ranieri noted a significant improvement following the introduction of the new players and is hoping for more of the same.

He said: “The three new signings played very well.

“They helped the team to get a point. It was amazing and I think we are more solid [with them] and I’m very happy. We can do something good.”

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