Gianfranco Zola confident he can turn things around at Watford after fourth straight defeat

9:10am Wednesday 19th September 2012 in Watford FC News Photograph of the Author By Frank Smith, Deputy Group Sports Editor

Zola confident he can turn things around at Watford Zola confident he can turn things around at Watford

Watford head coach Gianfranco Zola is confident he will turn things around at Watford despite the club suffering their fourth straight defeat last night.

Hornets fan Craig Mackail-Smith scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot to extend Brighton and Hove Albion’s impressive run and the Golden Boys’ poor form.

Watford played well though and believe they should have had at least one penalty in the final ten minutes, but both appeals were turned down by referee Darren Drysdale.

Zola said: “I have had a chat with the referee and I am hoping that he will be watching the tv tonight.

“We are all human beings; I make mistakes, the players make mistakes and the referee makes mistakes. Tonight I think he has made a few mistakes.

“I know we are here to help the referees and they make mistakes but tonight we feel strongly that we have been penalised by the decisions and I am sorry I have said that but I am a passionate guy and I can’t keep it in.”

“Our football is good to watch but we have to avoid the mistakes we are making - and we probably have to find a referee who is having a better day,” Zola added.

Brighton boss Gus Poyet, who is one of Zola’s close friends following their time together at Chelsea, also agreed Watford deserved a penalty.

Poyet said: “From the players’ point of view, everyone says they were not penalties but I would like to have a look because I would say at least one was a penalty.

“But these are the games that put you up the table. These are the games that last year we couldn’t win. Last year, we would probably have conceded two or three.

“The calibre of our team is totally different this year and the experience of the players on the pitch means they are making better decisions.”

Brighton were under pressure for much of the first half, and most of the second period, on and Watford created a few chances, with loanees Daniel Pudil and Fernando Forestieri going close.

But the visitors still created some clear-cut opportunities and goalkeeper Manuel Almunia needed to twice deny Dean Hammond from close range.

Watford took the momentum from the second half at Bolton Wanderers into last night’s clash and played some attractive football in both halves.

Zola said: “In the first 30 minutes we played good football and created a couple of chances and then they got better and we made a couple of mistakes at the back and everybody was edgy.

“So they took advantage of that and in the second half there was the penalty; I will have to look again to see if it was a penalty.

“After that there was one after another chance and honestly, I think if their penalty was a penalty then at least one of ours should have been too.

“I am very disappointed because the referee was there and he didn’t give it. It is so disappointing because my players deserved something more for that and they kept going until the end.”

Fernando Forestieri at his unveiling at Malaga. Picture: Action Images

Last night was Forestieri’s first start in England after his impressive cameo on Saturday and he showed signs of why Udinese signed him from Argentina in his teens.

Zola said: “He is a player who can do very good things here but he is a player, who like many of them, needs to improve his conditioning.

“He needs to play and play and then he will be a good player for us.”

Comments(38)

Bush Hornet says...
9:15am Wed 19 Sep 12

Sensible people are believing in you Gianfranco. Don't listen to the numpties

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Bush Hornet says...
9:37am Wed 19 Sep 12

In the grand scheme of things I don't care about last night's result. I wish I didn't have to work last night. I'm really looking forward to being there Sat. I'm loving this brave commitment to proper football in such a harsh league. Yooouuuuuuu 'oorrrrrrnnss

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McHornet says...
9:37am Wed 19 Sep 12

I didn't go to the Birmingham game, so that was the best performance i've seen this season. I've been critical up until now of us keeping the ball with no cutting edge. But last night i could see promising signs. We were having shots and keeping the ball which is great.

We still 100% need a striker. I prefer Iwelumo to Garner, i prefer Deeney to Iwelumo, but hopefully i will prefer Geijo to all of them.

My only further critisism is that we need to play wider. Vydra and Forestieri were both playing in close to Big Chris and congesting the middle of the pitch along with Yeates and Abdi, which means there is no outlet out wide other than the full backs. If those 2 wingers play wider, i think we'll be able to keep the ball even better, but also create better opportunities from that.

But, all in all, i believe it's starting to come together! I think Derby was just a shocking day all round, and 4 losses on the trot doesn't tell the whole story! I still don't think we'll see anything like a settled consistent side until Xmas, but i am encouraged by last night.

Chalobah looks so mature on the ball for a 17 year old! Scarily mature!

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llloydwithathirdl says...
9:38am Wed 19 Sep 12

Thought we looked so promising at moments last night - once this team gel, they'll be excellent.

TERRIBLE REF.

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AngelHornet says...
9:45am Wed 19 Sep 12

If GZ can find a settled side and someone up top who can put the ball in the net, we will improve.
Until then, we'll plod along losing more than we win

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Dr,Oftaw says...
10:02am Wed 19 Sep 12

anyone who cannot see the potential in this team is either blind or stupid.

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dal8oy says...
10:13am Wed 19 Sep 12

Blimey 6 fairly positive posts. The doom gloom crew must still be a sleep. I agree 100%, from what Ive seen so far its more about getting the team where we want in terms of performance while (hopefully) picking up enough wins on the way to keep us out of trouble. I can see this team being a real top side in this division though.

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The Rover says...
10:31am Wed 19 Sep 12

Looks like Watford played well last night. Lots of possession, lots of shots, only thing lacking was a bit of luck.

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SAHornet says...
10:34am Wed 19 Sep 12

Make that 8 positive posts. We're going to do ok this seasons and I reckon we could see a decent win on Saturday if they can keep it up and if the injuries are not too bad. I'm as excited now as I was when The Pozzo's saved our club.

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garston 'orn says...
10:42am Wed 19 Sep 12

I thought forestieri was brilliant last night , very dissappointed when zola took him off and not iwelumo. Neuton looks scarily comfartable on the ball and i think he can be brilliant if he plays with a quality covering defender. Lets hope thats ekstrand, nosworthy is not good enough i wince everytime he gets the ball. Hogg was very poor for his standard and vydra was out of the game. Iwelumo is just useless for a big guy wins the least headers on the pitch and should have scored the opener within the first 5 minutes when he had three glorious chances. DEENEY IS NOT THE ANSWER. But i think things are looking up, very unlucky not to get a point desererved the game really. Chalobah looked comfortable and yeates played well. Lets hope Fitz and Geijo are fit for saturday. COYH

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Holly68 says...
11:00am Wed 19 Sep 12

If we can get a good 25-30 of the players fit and available for next TWO seasons, then 2013/14 gonna be beautiful !

Zola has publicly said this season promotion "no way

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hornet4eva says...
11:01am Wed 19 Sep 12

I agree totally that this is a 'better' watford side to watch and I truly believe that Zola is the right man for the job long term. My only concern is how with so many imports we have failed to secure a fit striker and how Murray has been allowed to get overweight and obviously unfit. If Geijo doesn't hit the ground running we could be in trouble. However good Forestieri, Pudil and Vydra are we need a 20+ goal a season man up front. Not too impressed with Cassetti last night but may have just been an off-night and I agree the Chelsea lad looked very good.
Please do not see this as a negative post as The Pozzo take-over has saved this club and I am all for it.

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Bush Hornet says...
11:21am Wed 19 Sep 12

and the sun's shining

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andyandyandy says...
11:21am Wed 19 Sep 12

The reason the above posts are all positive is because the negative numpties are all still at school.

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Chris the Vic says...
11:23am Wed 19 Sep 12

I am sure with the squad Zola has it is possible to turn this season around.
What is of concern is the lack of conditioning/fitness of the new players. Italy's serieA is one week behind the premier and for these squad players to be so unfit is worrying.
Udinese and grenada have both started badly and one wonders whether both squads are so unfit.
Perhaps it is an area that needs looking into for the future otherwise this will occur every year. the chelsea lad has of course benefitted from a full pre season in England.

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Michel Ngonge was Brilliant says...
11:31am Wed 19 Sep 12

Zola can start the turnaround by waking up and leaving Yeates out the team. As long as he plays we will struggle. He should be on loan at a League 1 side (and that's being kind). Cannot believe that Dyche's useless signings from beginning of last season are getting a regular spot. Play the Udinese players!!

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eltonsjohn says...
11:37am Wed 19 Sep 12

think Zola has got a massive job keeping all these players happy, but we will see where we are after 15 games. My prediction p15 w5 d2 l8 pts 17

ps need to make the matchday programme bigger, there isnt enough room on the back page to list all of our squad.......

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Andrew1963 says...
12:03pm Wed 19 Sep 12

My first home game (august holidays, etc. i was very impressed with the team and the way we played. I thought 41Forestieri was excellent, but he did look tired when he was substituted. The lad who came on was excellent too. On another day we would have 2 or 3 nil. My main concern is for the pitch. with all this passing on the ground will it last as long as expected? Personally I thought Yeates played a lot better than last year, but I must say it is a pity that sordell and mariappa are in the doldrums of the subs bench at their clubs and not available to add to this team. Personally I hope Zola gets the backing to continue, as the style of play is a revelation compared to what we could do with past squads.

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Travelling Hornet says...
12:40pm Wed 19 Sep 12

Last night was the most upbeat I've been after a defeat .
Anyone that was there last night who cant see the ' bigger picture' must be blind or have absolutely no knowledge of football !
To see players of the quality of Forestieri , Cassetti, Abdi, Pudil and Neuton ( who misses Taylor now) who technically are light years away from what we have had here,
combine in passing moves that Brighton couldnt live with at times give
great hope for the rest of the season.
Special mention for Chabobah , great prospect for England .

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coffils left foot says...
12:58pm Wed 19 Sep 12

Travelling Hornet wrote:
Last night was the most upbeat I've been after a defeat . Anyone that was there last night who cant see the ' bigger picture' must be blind or have absolutely no knowledge of football ! To see players of the quality of Forestieri , Cassetti, Abdi, Pudil and Neuton ( who misses Taylor now) who technically are light years away from what we have had here, combine in passing moves that Brighton couldnt live with at times give great hope for the rest of the season. Special mention for Chabobah , great prospect for England .
Right on the money, with a substantial tweak (Goal scorer), we could be the dogs ****.

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honest-view says...
1:17pm Wed 19 Sep 12

Is it not nice for a cange to read good constructive comments for a change, Instead of all the rubbish we normally have to put up with.
This now is true Hornet support.
Please try and keep it up.

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coffils left foot says...
1:21pm Wed 19 Sep 12

honest-view wrote:
Is it not nice for a cange to read good constructive comments for a change, Instead of all the rubbish we normally have to put up with. This now is true Hornet support. Please try and keep it up.
Dont forget its only 13.20.

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stevyweavy says...
1:42pm Wed 19 Sep 12

Have to agree with everyone. Not often I come away from a match we have just lost still with a smile on my face. Did well playing 10 against 12 (Iwelumu not even worth half a player last night and the officials definitely had the blue and whites on under their blacks). Forestieri looked amazing (could be the new Messi) Neuton will be excellent once he realises his defensive responsibilities, Vydra would have got more reward if he had gone out wide right rather than waiting for the non-existent scraps coming from Iwelumu. Two good teams playing good football. Yes we should have got two or three penalties but we need to score goals in open play and not rely on the officials. Apart from Iwelumu the only other negative comment was that we did not get the ball out wide enough. Practically all of the game nobody got into the masses of space out wide on the right and if we had done so then we could have put Brighton under more pressure (unless nobody could be bothered to do that only to put in a ball towards Iwelumu!) Once the other players come in to contention we are definitely going to be pushing up the table. We have some seriously good players and once they are on the pitch at the same time we won't be letting in as many goals and we'll be scoring some spectacular goals all in a way that is pleasing to the eye. Really looking forward to what the rest of the season has in store for us.

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lutondown says...
1:51pm Wed 19 Sep 12

Great to see the true fans out enforce, the black cloud brigade will come just like flies do to pooh!
We are on the verge of something good, and when the next win comes, so will belief and from there a run.
What I do realise even if Zola is successful, or rather; when he is,the nay Sayers will home in on our loan policy!
Hope by then we are attracting new supporters and the doom mongers will defect to something more appropriate, like Chesterfield where their demi God will reside.
COYH COGFZ WE ARE WITH YOU

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lutondown says...
1:55pm Wed 19 Sep 12

SAHornet wrote:
Make that 8 positive posts. We're going to do ok this seasons and I reckon we could see a decent win on Saturday if they can keep it up and if the injuries are not too bad. I'm as excited now as I was when The Pozzo's saved our club.
SAH In response to your question to did I throw the kraut towels in the pool? Yes, but got a little carried away and threw the loungers in as well as the fat inhabitants of them!
Only joking of course, but did treat them to drunken whistling of the dambusters! ( probably sounded like the Blue Peter tune mind!)
That'll teach 'em for bombing our chippies!

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lutondown says...
1:55pm Wed 19 Sep 12

SAHornet wrote:
Make that 8 positive posts. We're going to do ok this seasons and I reckon we could see a decent win on Saturday if they can keep it up and if the injuries are not too bad. I'm as excited now as I was when The Pozzo's saved our club.
SAH In response to your question to did I throw the kraut towels in the pool? Yes, but got a little carried away and threw the loungers in as well as the fat inhabitants of them!
Only joking of course, but did treat them to drunken whistling of the dambusters! ( probably sounded like the Blue Peter tune mind!)
That'll teach 'em for bombing our chippies!

Report this post »

SAHornet says...
2:11pm Wed 19 Sep 12

lutondown wrote:
SAHornet wrote:
Make that 8 positive posts. We're going to do ok this seasons and I reckon we could see a decent win on Saturday if they can keep it up and if the injuries are not too bad. I'm as excited now as I was when The Pozzo's saved our club.
SAH In response to your question to did I throw the kraut towels in the pool? Yes, but got a little carried away and threw the loungers in as well as the fat inhabitants of them!
Only joking of course, but did treat them to drunken whistling of the dambusters! ( probably sounded like the Blue Peter tune mind!)
That'll teach 'em for bombing our chippies!
It was me Granny and her budgie George they bombed.

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Dr,Oftaw says...
2:17pm Wed 19 Sep 12

lutondown wrote:
Great to see the true fans out enforce, the black cloud brigade will come just like flies do to pooh! We are on the verge of something good, and when the next win comes, so will belief and from there a run. What I do realise even if Zola is successful, or rather; when he is,the nay Sayers will home in on our loan policy! Hope by then we are attracting new supporters and the doom mongers will defect to something more appropriate, like Chesterfield where their demi God will reside. COYH COGFZ WE ARE WITH YOU
the new age clappers are far out weighing the the old age mongers

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lutondown says...
2:30pm Wed 19 Sep 12

SAHornet wrote:
lutondown wrote:
SAHornet wrote:
Make that 8 positive posts. We're going to do ok this seasons and I reckon we could see a decent win on Saturday if they can keep it up and if the injuries are not too bad. I'm as excited now as I was when The Pozzo's saved our club.
SAH In response to your question to did I throw the kraut towels in the pool? Yes, but got a little carried away and threw the loungers in as well as the fat inhabitants of them!
Only joking of course, but did treat them to drunken whistling of the dambusters! ( probably sounded like the Blue Peter tune mind!)
That'll teach 'em for bombing our chippies!
It was me Granny and her budgie George they bombed.
Then my Safarian friend I did justice for George. I bombed them back with a splendid display of belly flopping into the pool. They got wet, I got a sore belly..mmm did I come off second best again?!

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lutondown says...
2:30pm Wed 19 Sep 12

Dr,Oftaw wrote:
lutondown wrote:
Great to see the true fans out enforce, the black cloud brigade will come just like flies do to pooh! We are on the verge of something good, and when the next win comes, so will belief and from there a run. What I do realise even if Zola is successful, or rather; when he is,the nay Sayers will home in on our loan policy! Hope by then we are attracting new supporters and the doom mongers will defect to something more appropriate, like Chesterfield where their demi God will reside. COYH COGFZ WE ARE WITH YOU
the new age clappers are far out weighing the the old age mongers
They don't like us, we don't care!

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Loyal Supporter says...
2:59pm Wed 19 Sep 12

Just to add to the positive comments. I thought it was an excellent game of football and we certainly deserved a draw on the overall balance of play - Brighton did create a number of clear cut chances that thankfully were missed, but overall some of our play and pressing of the ball was fantastic. However, The big plus was that you can clearly see what's coming...this side could be truly wonderful by Christmas if everything settles down and the squad is reduced to a more manageable size. Pudil, Forestieri, Adbi, Neuton and Vydra all look class...as does the young lad Chalobah. Not so sure yet about Cassetti as he seemed to be struggling big time for pace, but we'll see. Can't wait for this team to develop...roll on the Bristol City game!

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Loyal Supporter says...
3:02pm Wed 19 Sep 12

Loyal Supporter wrote:
Just to add to the positive comments. I thought it was an excellent game of football and we certainly deserved a draw on the overall balance of play - Brighton did create a number of clear cut chances that thankfully were missed, but overall some of our play and pressing of the ball was fantastic. However, The big plus was that you can clearly see what's coming...this side could be truly wonderful by Christmas if everything settles down and the squad is reduced to a more manageable size. Pudil, Forestieri, Adbi, Neuton and Vydra all look class...as does the young lad Chalobah. Not so sure yet about Cassetti as he seemed to be struggling big time for pace, but we'll see. Can't wait for this team to develop...roll on the Bristol City game!
...I should have added Brighton missed all their chances bar one of course...can't remember feeling so positive after a league defeat in ages, though.

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londomollari says...
3:23pm Wed 19 Sep 12

Having given myself time to think about last night, just a few points. Yes, there was some really good passing football, touches, forward runs, etc. Yes, there was a lot of promise, and yes, someone more effective than Big Chris up front would make a real difference.
Generally positive.
But only a few have noted the major problem.
Defensively, we are cr4p.
Yes, Cassetti looked class, nice touches, passes, good going forward, etc. But, against Buckley. he was screwed for pace. He looked like my granny chasing Usain Bolt. Someone on Watfords staff is not doing their job. Did no-one tell Zola that Buckley is quick? Every Championship manager worth a light should have known that, and fielded a defender who could match pace, or a hulking lump who would kick Buckley into the stand. Further,Neuton, great on the ball, wonderful touches, forward runs, class. But a defender? He would fit into a defence alongside a commanding defender with height, weight and presence, someone who can kick the opposing striker in the goolies and hump the ball away when needed. Watford need a defender to do the dirty work, and tell the others what to do.
On a better night, with their forwards,Brighton could have put the match out of sight by taking their chances.
Yes, on a better night, and with a better striker, Watford could have scored, maybe won. But success comes with a solid defence.

Don't get me wrong, I am positive about things. But we need more than just a goalscorer. We need a solid defender.

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qetu1358 says...
7:44pm Wed 19 Sep 12

Or maybe we were at work or working"........

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qetu1358 says...
7:48pm Wed 19 Sep 12

My prediction?

Zola doesn't turn it around and is out by xmas

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apatters says...
7:52pm Wed 19 Sep 12

Makes a fantastic change for really positive posts after a loss. I thought we were great last night - smiled all the way back to Poole.

The great thing about the Championship is 5 wins will see us in the top 2. Keep going boys!

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DuffmanWFC says...
7:53pm Wed 19 Sep 12

Yep it's depressing when you look at the table but the football we are playing is an improvement from recent seasons. It does take time to find the right first 11 and 7/8 subs/squad players especially after we have had so many players come in!
I still hope and believe that come mid October we will see the following settled first 11 of: Almunia, Franchone, Neuton, Ekstrand, Cassetti, Pudil, Adbi, Murray, Forestieri, Geijo, Vydra with choice of subs as: Hogg, Nosworthy, Battocchino, Chalobah, Deeney, Mujangi, Bauban, McGinn, Hall, and Beleck
Hopefully if we can keep Chalobah till end of season he will play more games otherwise if he goes back to Chelsea it'll be Doyley.
When you look at this team it is of real quality and if we can click by mid October we will still have over 30 league games left! of which we can still get a good 60 plus points and push for a play off place!

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Scullion says...
8:47am Thu 20 Sep 12

What is happening at the Vic is nothing other than exciting and refreshing. It was my first visit for a few years and despite the defeat i was delighted with the style of play and talent on board now. When this team gels it will be excellent and exciting to watch. And will be winning games. It will take time. the great GT always said it needs 12 - 15 games for a side to bond and this one I am sure will. So nice to see positive posts on here...lets get behind this brave new adventure and support GZ and the boys. I am still amazed how negative some people are....any true Hornet fan should be taking delight in the fact we can now build a talented team and be different. Thank you Pozzos and good luck GZ. It's the beginning of a great journey. Hold on and enjoy the ride. Keep the faith.

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