Roy Hodgson
New Watford manager Roy Hodgson praised the effort of his team in their narrow 1-0 loss to West Ham. The Hornets would have every right to feel unlucky to lose after putting in a fine display, only to suffer defeat thanks to a fortuitous Jarrod Bowen goal that took a big deflection off Samir before hitting the back of the net. Speaking to the press after the game, the 74-year-old was keen to credit his players for the work they’ve put in since he’s taken over.
Roy Hodgson said: “I don’t know that it’s for me to talk about improvements in the team, that should hopefully come from outside. All I can say is, we’ve been working for two weeks, and we’ve worked after as pattern, if you like, and we’ve worked hard to try and improve areas of the team play. And I would lie if I said I wasn’t more than satisfied with what I’ve seen, particularly with what the players are trying to give me – trying to give Ray Lewington and I. I think they are really doing everything in their power, to try and show that we will try and play in a certain way. And we will work very very hard on the field of play, so no stone will at least be left unturned when it comes to giving ourselves a chance. But of course, when you are at the bottom, confidence is never at its highest.”
He was also asked about David Moyes’ decision to play Kurt Zouma against Watford despite the fact that the defender has been subject to much criticism in the past 24 hours after a video of him was circulated online seemingly kicking his pet cat. Hodgson, however, did his best to distance himself from the situation.
Roy Hodgson explained: “I never concern myself with those things, to be frank, it’s not my business. That will be the business for the club or any other areas of responsibility for them to make decisions on that. So I didn’t expect him not to play because I know he is one of their star players and if something has happened in his private life which has now caused some sort of controversy, that will be for him, and the club to deal with. But I don’t have a strong opinion about it because, to be frank, I haven’t followed the story to any great extent of yet. I have been preparing for the match.”
