Claudio Ranieri expects a tough test in Watford’s Boxing Day clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers, but believes his side can be a threat to the hosts at Molineux.
The Golden Boys return to action for the first time since defeat to Brentford on December 10, and Ranieri has highlighted areas he wishes to improve for the game against Wolves and for the rest of the Christmas period.
“It’s very difficult, I have watched Wolverhampton’s games, and they play very well. They want to manage the whole match,” said the Italian.
“I’m very impressed, if I remember well they have five or six clean sheets, I need a clean sheet! It’s a solid game, they played very well against Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, they have a lot of quality and the previous manager Nuno Espirito Santo built a very good team and the new manager is doing very well.
“We have to continue to score goals but improve our defence because it is not possible to concede goals every time.
“It will be a tough match but I am very positive.”
Reflecting on his two-and-a-half months in charge at Vicarage Road, Ranieri says he is enjoying a return to the Premier League, where he feels comfortable and ‘at home’. The experienced Head Coach has a strong love for football, and explained that it keeps him motivated even after 35 years.
The postponement of fixtures hasn’t made preparation easy over the last month for Ranieri, but he recognises it is an issue everyone must deal with.
“It’s not easy but we have to fight against everything, the opponents, Covid, the bad situation. I think all the managers at this moment are in trouble,” Ranieri explained.
“I was very happy when Mr. Pozzo called me and I’m very happy to manage again in the Premier League, one of the best, if not the best, leagues in the world.
“It is fantastic because I love England and I feel at home. It’s my life, my passion, football for me is everything. I always have my family with me so I don’t feel lonely, and I love the job, for me football makes me alive.”
Premier League survival is the sole aim for Ranieri this season, and he would like to see his side defend more effectively as a means to achieve safety in the top flight.
“The ambition is to be safe at the end, the Premier League is an important thing for Watford and for me, this is the goal and the target I have in my mind,” added Ranieri, 70.
“When I came I knew we were in a relegation battle and we continue to stay there, but I am positive and I think we will achieve the 40 points to be safe.”
