Gracia's Disappointment with Watford's Performance
'I'm very upset and disappointed,' said Gracia, reflecting on Watford's recent display against Portsmouth. The Hornets' performance was a stark contrast to their previous victories, leaving fans and analysts alike scratching their heads.
The Spanish manager acknowledged that the team's in-possession play was a 'disaster' in the opening minutes, which set the tone for the rest of the game. Despite the recent success, including four straight wins over the festive period, the team seemed to have lost their spark.
Gracia attributed the change to a combination of factors, including the absence of key defender Mattie Pollock due to a muscle issue. He emphasized that the team's performance was not just about the result but also the manner in which they competed.
'I expected a reaction, a different attitude, another way to compete,' he said. 'I didn't recognize my team.'
The manager's frustration was evident as he highlighted the team's hesitancy and lack of desire on the pitch. 'We look like a different team but we are the same players, the same manager,' he noted, suggesting that something had changed within the team dynamic.
Despite the recent setbacks, including a 5-1 defeat at Bristol City in the FA Cup, Gracia refused to use them as an excuse. Instead, he focused on understanding the underlying issues and finding solutions. 'I want to understand why we are not competing the last games the same way we did before,' he said.
Gracia's approach to improving the team's performance involves working harder and insisting on better, even with the knowledge that young players will make mistakes. 'That is the only way we can improve,' he concluded, inviting fans and analysts to share their thoughts and interpretations of the team's recent struggles.
