Attack is the best form of defence for Claudio Ranieri
The Hornets boss vowed to stay on the front foot even as champions Manchester City visit Vicarage Road.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Claudio Ranieri believes Watford’s attacking style of play can get them a clean sheet ahead of the visit of Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Hornets have not beaten reigning Premier League champions City since 1989 and have lost every meeting between the sides since 2007, but Ranieri remained upbeat.
“I know I go against a big fantastic team. We know, but we have to play and we try to do our best,” the Watford manager said.
“Of course I want a clean sheet, not only one, but I believe we can achieve a clean sheet if we continue to play in this way.”
Going into November, the Hornets faced a daunting run of fixtures including Leicester, Everton Manchester United and Chelsea but managed to win 5-2 at Everton and beat United 4-1 at home in what proved to be Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s final match in charge.
Watford also pushed the current league leaders Chelsea in midweek, with even Thomas Tuchel admitting that his side did not deserve all three points from the encounter.
“I am very confident with my players but of course you know I am a pragmatic manager and I’d like to take some points,” Raniaeri said.
“Because if you play well once, twice, three times without taking a point, after it’s not good.
“Now is the right moment to take points, we need points, we are in the battle for relegation and then we have to react, every match we have to react, every moment we have to react, every time.”
Manchester City have lost just two league matches this season, winning 10 out of their first 14, while Watford currently sit in 17th place, just three points ahead of the relegation zone.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments