MX23RW : Monday, October 22 22:02:27

Performance more important than opponents, says Watford boss Gracia

Performance more important than opponents, says Watford boss Gracia
© Reuters
The Hornets have not won in four Premier League matches and face in-form Wolves this weekend.

Watford boss Javi Gracia knows Wolves will be dangerous no matter what side they field, but expects his players to produce the required response at Molineux.

The Hornets resume domestic action looking to recover from a 4-0 home defeat by Bournemouth before the international break which extended their winless Premier League run to four matches.

Wolves, meanwhile, have made an impressive return to the top flight, currently unbeaten through six games.

Nuno Espirito Santo sent out the same starting XI for the eighth successive Premier League match when Wolves secured a 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace.

Gracia, though, knows whatever team the Portuguese coach selects, his own players have to meet the challenges head on.

“I prefer to analyse collectively, you know you have to pay attention to some players,” the Watford manager said at a press conference.

“Wolves keep the same line-up, but maybe (forward) Adama Traore comes on and he is dangerous.

“I know him very well because he came from Spain. I know he’s a dangerous player. He can change the game when he’s playing.”

The Watford boss added: “We know it’ll be a tough game, but in this moment for us it’s not important who we are going to play against. It’s more important to focus on ourselves and to try and do our best.”

Despite Watford’s recent dip in form, Gracia has settled well since arriving in January and would like to extend his current 18-month contract.

The positive mindset of the Spaniard is making an impression on the squad, whom he believes can soon get themselves back on track, having opened the new campaign with four straight Premier League wins.

“Sometimes there is a light line, some details in if you win or you lose,” said Gracia, who must do without suspended defensive duo Christian Kabasele and Jose Holebas.

“I feel all of my players have confidence and in that moment that is what is important to me, with good or bad results.”

The Watford boss added: “We got a very bad result (against Bournemouth), but we know it is only a game and we need to show all our desire, all our ambition in the next game.

“I am sure we are going to play a good game against Wolves.”

Gracia, meanwhile, played down suggestions veteran Brazilian goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes was set to hang up his gloves.

Ben Foster has emerged as Watford’s regular number one this season, but Gracia said: “I don’t want to listen to anything about retirement from Heurelho. He is very important for us.

“When he plays, when he doesn’t play, he is supporting all of the time. And, for me, he is an example every day and it’s a pleasure to be with him every day in training and trying to improve.”

Share this article now:

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City97202632323
2Liverpool97201631323
3Chelsea96302071321
4Arsenal970222111121
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs9702167921
6Bournemouth95221612417
7Watford95131312116
8Everton94321512315
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves943298115
10Manchester UnitedMan Utd94231516-114
11Leicester CityLeicester94051515012
12Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton93241013-311
13Burnley92251017-78
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham9216814-67
15Crystal Palace9216511-67
16Southampton9135614-86
17Cardiff CityCardiff9126819-115
18Fulham91261125-145
19Huddersfield TownHuddersfield9036418-143
20Newcastle UnitedNewcastle9027614-82

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Login, I already have my ad-free pass
Log in to customise Sports Mole
Buy ad-free access (show me the options)
Buy monthly ad-free access for £1.20/month
Buy yearly ad-free access for £12 (2 months free)
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
Settings - Logout - Manage your account