Troy Deeney
Any knocks?
We have different players with injuries. The most important is to be ready for the first game because it’s our first game. Joao [Pedro] has a problem with the knee and [Josh] King [groin] but the most important is to think about those ready to play.
Troy Deeney is 33 but says he feels great. What sort of role will he have this season?
We’ll see what happens Saturday. The most important thing is Troy had a very good pre-season. After we will see what happens. We have a different chance and we’ll see if he starts or not.
Can Cucho make an impact since his return?
Cucho is a really good player for us. We also have different players coming in. We have a good team. This is the most important thing for us. Cucho is important for us, a top player. I wish him all the best and I’m sure he’ll give very good things for our fans.
Why will it be different for Watford this time?
For us it’s very important to play, in a very good league, with balance. You sometimes need the clean sheets and play attractive football but the most important thing this season is to continue with the clean sheets. It’s important to start with the ball and improve the system and after we’ll see. We know the challenge in front of us. There are very good teams and very good players but it’s very important to keep clean sheets.
Who starts in goal? Ben Foster or Daniel Bachmann?
Our goal’s safe because we have Ben, Rob [Eliot], Danny. We have three very good goalkeepers in our squad. The most important is that our goal is safe.
Is your job safe? Manager was changed three times last time in the Premier League?
My focus is to enjoy every day. That’s the most important. I am very happy here. I’m very comfortable with the team, the fans and everything in Watford. I will enjoy. I’ll give my best from the first to the last days I am here. This is the most important. We’ll see. I’m sure there’ll be very good moments. If not, we’re working very hard to give good times to the fans. This is my focus. After that we will see.
Good to have fans back?
I can’t wait for this moment. We’ve not had too much time together last season. In these games we play at home we need them to give us a push up. With our fans it is more difficult for the people to come here and win games. We need the fans with us to give us maximum support. For the first game we need the stadium full, for them to enjoy the situation and the season we’ll have. It’s important to have a connection with the fans more than ever. This season we need them to have strength when we play at home.
What you think of Kepa coming on for the Super Cup? Would you do that?
We all have different strategies. It was good because Kepa stopped the penalty. Why not? It’s a good thing.
How excited are you to be a Premier League manager?
When you are in the best league in the world like you are now you need to remember how important every game is. I remember when I was 15 years old I wanted to play in the first division in Spain and now it’s the same passion I have for the first game. I’m ready, I’ll give all the best but I’ll also enjoy this situation because the Premier League is the Premier League and I need everyone to come to the stadium to give their best for the players. This is my objective. Enjoy. This is football. I was like this when I was a player. I know the experience of Liga so for me this is not a surprise. I’ll give my best, this is sure. I’ve got the passion.
Fans will feel more connected now they are able to come back?
This season will be perfect for the fans. Football is for the fans. We need our fans. They are part of our group. We need them. We need the people to come to our stadium and I’m sure they can make a difference in all the games. I’m sure we’ll have the connection because the players will give their best for the team. We’ll play with passion. We know how important every point is in the Premier League – the first point and the last point. We need to fight. We know the situation from first game to last game. This is important to start the first game with our people. We’ll see what happens but the most important thing is for the everyone coming to the stadium and be proud of our team. We want them to come inside and say, ‘Wow, our team gave 100%.’
Aston Villa – what do you think they should be aiming for?
They have a great team with very good players. We know the game we have to play. It’s important to concentrate. They have a very good team and it’s most important. For us it’s a hard game but we have a process and we need to know what to do against a very good team.
