Claudio Ranieri
What did you make of the performance?
What can I say? It’s unbelievable what happened. But that’s football. I’m very satisfied, I’m very proud of my players. We must continue in this way. I think we deserved at least a point. We played very, very well. And I’m very proud of my players, that’s it.
How did you feel when the fan was taken ill?
Now in this moment, I feel good because I know the man is stable, is conscious. And I wish to him, to his family, all the best. We were very, very sad.
How bad is the Adam Masina injury?
I think it is serious because he was already operating these muscles. And I think I’ll miss him for a long time.
Can you believe Watford played so well in the past two games but lost both?
Yes, but you know sometimes I believe maybe some matches against our rivals we won’t play well but we get three points, I hope. But I believe truly, if we continue in this way, in the relegation battle, we will be safe. We must believe in this. I’m very proud of my players. We made two performances in Leicester and tonight, wonderful performances, fantastic performances. Of course, we missed the points but this is football. I think my players, at the end, tonight, say: ‘Oh what a pity.’ But we played very, very well and that’s what I want. Of course we need points, and sooner or later we have to get points.
How impressed are you by Emmanuel Dennis?
Yes, I’m very happy with Manu because he is a very – how can I say – straight away he wants to do something. And I love these kinds of players. I don’t want players who are thinking: ‘No, no, no, no’. He knows where the goal is and goes there straight away. Tonight, also, his performance was amazing. But I think all the players made a fantastic performance.
How hard is it coming up against teams of this quality, like Chelsea?
Of course, the Chelsea squad has two big teams, [one is] also on the bench. There isn’t a player who doesn’t play, play everybody. When you can change and put on Lukaku, Ziyech and the others, what can we do? But we are proud, I am proud. And I told my players: ‘I’m very proud of you, you played well. We must continue in this way. Never never give up, because sooner or later, everything will change.
Will you look to rotate the squad with a busy schedule ahead?
Now let me think. I want to speak to my players, and if there is somebody who is very tired, I will make a little rotation.
