WATFORD have held an “uncomfortable” dressing-room inquest to save their season.
Six defeats in their past nine league matches have left Watford a point off the relegation trap-door.
Watford skipper Troy Deeney has revealed their has been a changing-room inquest into their miserable formCredit: AP:Associated Press
And they could be dragged into the bottom three this weekend if they fail to get a result against Chelsea.
Captain Troy Deeney said there were honest and constructive conversations in the changing room to reverse their terrible form.
Deeney, 32, said: “We’ve had chats – everyone was frustrated so we’ve tried to park it as quickly as we can in regard to moving onto the next one. But there’s certainly been a lot of things said.
“It’s important we’re able to do that as it doesn’t help anybody if people aren’t speaking up and saying what’s on their minds.
“Sometimes you’ve to have uncomfortable conversations and the lads have done that and hopefully people will see a reaction.”
Watford assistant boss Craig Shakespeare said: “I disagree with Troy – I found them really comfortable. They were constructive.
“We’re all men. We all take things on the chin. And we move on.
“That’s what we have been expressing. Players and staff have been given the opportunity to speak openly and honestly.
“In terms of seeing them on the training pitch, I’ve been pleasantly surprised with the way things have been. And they haven’t been doom and gloom.
“There have been smiles, which we want, and a drive to make sure that we put performances in that reflect our character as well.”
Shakespeare lavished great praise on Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante, who will need to be marshalled by Watford’s Will Hughes and Etienne Capoue.
The pair worked together during Leicester’s epic Premier League win in 2016.
The 56-year-old said: “I’ve a lot of time for him as a person and as a footballer. He backs it up with his ability. But also he’s very unassuming off the pitch.
“The first time he turned up at the training ground at the King Power we didn’t know if he was a trialist for the academy!
“He used to drive in his mini. He didn’t have a TV. But put him on the football pitch and boy, could he let his feet do the talking.
“It’s a pleasure to see good guys like him and the way he is so humble and the way he is succeeding.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
