Claudio Ranieri hopes to see consistency from his side ahead of their next game against Leicester City, with Watford looking to win consecutive games.
The Hornets Head Coach has wanted his side to follow his philosophy since joining the club last month, and is pleased with what he has seen in the 4-1 win over Manchester United and in training this week.
Ismaila Sarr and Nicolas Nkoulou will miss the trip to Leicester through injury, but the Italian is optimistic his squad can make up for the absentees.
“Sarr and Nkoulou are big misses, but I want to remember: I substituted Sarr twice, against Everton and Manchester United, and we scored [four times v Everton and two times v Man Utd],” said Ranieri.
“They are very important players for us but we have some players on the bench who are ready to play, and I’m sure they will give their maximum for the team.
“I love our philosophy and we must continue it. Sometimes you can press higher or in the middle third, but it’s important that you want to do something during the whole match, from the start to the end.”
“We have to continue in this way, be consistent and we have to achieve 40 points. We have to fight in every situation, for every ball and after that we will see.”
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The likes of João Pedro and Tom Cleverley haven’t been consistent starters under Ranieri so far, but the Head Coach is certainly impressed by the depth and quality in the squad. He called on those who aren’t currently making the first 11 to continue pushing for a spot.
“I believe a lot in João Pedro,” explained Ranieri. “I think he could be at a very high level. He is a good professional, but I have to choose and understand which is his best position, because now he wants to do everything. I speak with him a lot because I believe in him. Sooner or later he can start from the beginning.
“Cleverley made a fantastic performance and I like how he plays a lot. He’s a part of the team, a part of Watford’s recent history and I’m very happy with him.
“I don’t like players who aren’t frustrated to not play. I want angry players, show me in the training sessions, and I said after the match, thank you to the players who didn’t play because they are pushing behind those who play from the start. If they relax, so will the players in the line-up. If they push a lot, they worry the players in the first 11!”
This game is of added significance to Ranieri, who won the Premier League with Leicester back in the 2015/16 campaign. There is still respect and admiration from both parties towards each other, but the Watford Head Coach will be very focused on winning three points at the King Power Stadium.
“I’m very proud to be part of Leicester’s fairytale. The fans from the beginning stayed with me.
“This Premier League title win will be in my heart all my life but I’m here to write new things with Watford. I’m very honest, it will be big emotion in the beginning and after the match, but during the match I’m an opponent and will try to do my best.
“Here in Watford I feel at home, at the training ground, with the fans, every situation I feel good.”
