Following a productive first full week of training with his entire squad, Watford Head Coach Claudio Ranieri is eager to see a response from his side against Everton this weekend.
The Italian admitted there were too many mistakes in last weekend’s defeat to Liverpool, but is confident his charges can bounce back against the Reds’ fellow Merseysiders.
And having been in charge of the Hornets for two-and-a-half weeks now, the 70-year-old feels he is learning more about his team every day.
“Everytime I talk to my players it’s important the feeling between me and them,” he said. “I will give them all of my experience and all of my support. It’s not important if they make mistakes because everyone makes mistakes, but it’s important how you react. I want to see how they react against Everton.
“The mood is very good, they’ve worked very well during the week and of course they aren’t happy, they know we played very badly. I am the first to recognise that, but we have to react and show our best.
“It was much better [this week] because against Liverpool I met all my players two days before. This week I worked well with all my players and day-by-day they understand my idea about football better.
“During the season I am sure I will need all my players. Of course I have to take my first 11, and around the first 11 there are four, five, six players who can make the rotation. We will see.”
Ranieri has plenty of attacking options at his disposal this weekend, with Joshua King back in training following a knee injury picked up against Leeds United earlier this month.
The Head Coach also likes what he has seen of João Pedro so far. The Brazilian came off the bench last weekend and played 20 minutes at Vicarage Road.
After Ismaïla Sarr played most of the Liverpool loss as a striker, Ranieri suggested his best position may instead be on the right flank, where he has featured for most of his Watford career so far.
“It's good news, he [King] has trained with us all week, he’s available,” Ranieri explained.
“João Pedro is a very interesting young player, of course he will have some good chances to show his qualities.
“I think his [Sarr’s] best position is right winger. I tried to put him very close to the centre backs of Liverpool and attack on their shoulders. It wasn’t possible for us and in the second half I put him in his position. He is much better there because he knows what he can do and I want to give him all the confidence.”
Join host Jon Marks and Hornets legend Tommy Mooney for free live commentary from Goodison Park, by heading to www.watfordfc.com/live from 2.45pm (3pm kick-off).
