Valérien Ismaël spoke to the media following Watford’s 2-2 draw with Millwall at Vicarage Road, with Yáser Asprilla and Mileta Rajović etching their names onto the scoresheet for the Hornets.
Covering a range of topics, including his side’s mentality and the contribution from the bench, read what the Head Coach had to say below…
On the game as a whole:
I would say the morale and the mentality we showed today was something great. It was a good week for us with two wins and one draw, but for sure you want more. For the first 60 minutes, I thought we were excellent. If someone asked you what the Championship is about, then watch this game. Set-pieces are a massive part of the Championship and you have to always be aware. We are not surprised because we knew that before the game, but I think that in the second half, especially from the 60th minute, the game became hectic. We didn’t get control because Millwall put us exactly where they wanted us.
It was a hectic game, our build-up was not so clinical, the clearances were sloppy, short clearances – another throw, another corner and another free-kick. They started to build the momentum, and it was difficult to take control. But in the end, we got control, and you see with the quality we’ve got, we can score at any time. From our side, I was really pleased to see the players with that mentality.
On his side’s mentality:
I think since Sunderland we have shown the right mentality as a team, we compete as a team and the support is there. You see it today, the situation with Rhys Healey, where he came onto the pitch and made a vital block, because at 3-1, the game is over. As a result, we are still in the game and we get the equaliser. What I say to the players is that the mentality is there, we just need to keep pushing and recover well.
On the supporters:
For sure we are at home and we want to win the game. This is another point for me, you see how our fans react. They pushed us until the very end. They believe in us, they know that something can happen, and they see that. And it was a great feeling on the pitch and in the stadium to feel that energy. The team needed something like that. The feeling was there from the crowd, they lifted the players and we showed again that we are able to score at any time in the game. We have the squad and we believe in ourselves.
On the contribution from the bench:
We had an impact from the bench again – Imrân Louza with the assist, Mileta Rajović scored the goal. Rhys Healey made a massive block again on set-pieces – this is why I’m pleased. We say the Championship is a long run and this is all the value you need sometimes.
When they came on, to begin with, I would say that the spark was not there, but that was a combination of Millwall being very direct and the fact we didn’t put players in the position to create chances. The bench has an impact at the end of the game. Sometimes the opponent makes it difficult for your gameplan.
On Mileta Rajović:
In the last two or three weeks I would say we got that feeling that Rajović is really near. He’s adapting, so he’s more stable in the duels. We know we still have a lot of work to do with him and the potential is there. He was exactly where you have to be as a striker to score the goal today. He’s got four goals now, which is good for his confidence and for us, and we will keep working with him.
On facing Huddersfield Town (Saturday November 4, 3pm KO) next week:
We are focused on the next game always, especially when you have three games in a week. It's always the next one and the next one. You always have a problem with the travelling. Swansea, you come back late and are in bed at 4am, and after you have to prepare for the game three days later so it's all about the recovery. The spark today was not there, maybe all the travelling was one of the reasons today. It helps when you win and don’t feel the tiredness. The point today will continue to lift the confidence of the players.
