Gracia's Disappointment with Watford's Performance
Watford's manager, Gracia, expressed deep frustration and disappointment with his team's performance against Portsmouth. The Hornets' display was a stark contrast to their recent success, including a four-game winning streak over the festive period. Gracia attributed the team's poor showing to their in-possession play, which he described as a 'disaster'.
The Spaniard acknowledged that the team's performance was not up to par, especially in the first few minutes of the game. He expected a different attitude and competitive spirit after recent setbacks, including two defeats in the FA Cup and a loss to Millwall. Gracia's disappointment was palpable, as he felt the team's performance did not reflect their usual efforts and strategies.
One of the key issues was the team's reluctance to attack and play forward. Gracia noted that the team was playing in their own half, avoiding attacks and failing to create opportunities. This was a significant departure from their usual style of play, which had been effective in dismantling Birmingham City just 20 days prior.
Gracia also mentioned that key defender Mattie Pollock was substituted due to a muscle issue, which further impacted the team's performance.
Despite the team's defensive organization in the first half, Gracia criticized their offensive play, describing it as a disaster. He emphasized that the players' desire and attitude were not reflected on the pitch, which was concerning. Gracia's concern was not just about the result but also about the team's overall performance and their ability to maintain consistency.
The manager acknowledged that the team's momentum had been disrupted, with a postponed game and a heavy defeat in the FA Cup. However, he chose not to use this as an excuse, preferring to take responsibility and understand the underlying reasons for the team's recent struggles. Gracia's focus is on improving the team's performance and competitiveness, especially with young players who need to make mistakes to learn and grow.
