Under-fire Walter Mazzarri demands Watford response after 'upsetting' defeat
Monday 30 January 2017 17:12, UK
Walter Mazzarri has demanded a response from Watford after they were knocked out of the FA Cup by Millwall at the weekend.
The Hornets' 1-0 defeat to the League One side in the fourth round on Sunday heaped further pressure on Mazzarri, whose side have managed just one win in their last nine matches.
Mazzarri fielded a much-changed side against the Lions but following the fourth round defeat he insisted his side should have won and angrily hit out at the match officials.
However, after taking time to reflect on the defeat, the Italian manager belatedly congratulated Millwall and called for a response from his side when they take on Arsenal on Tuesday.
"First of all, I want to say that yesterday I was very upset immediately after the game," he said.
"Because I understand how upset the fans were feeling this game, I made some comments that were immediately after the game. I want to congratulate Millwall for the performance and now we have to think regarding our side.
"We have to react immediately. We have the chance to do it and obtain as soon as possible our first objective. This is what I wanted to say. We want to do it in the most positive manner."
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Mazzarri was one of several managers to rotate his playing squad at the weekend but with a round of midweek league fixtures coming so soon after the fourth round, he insists he was left with no choice but to prioritise the league game.
"You have to make a decision and think about the Premier League. It's a matter of logic knowing that after two days we have an important game," he said.
"When you don't win, of course you always reflect on different possibilities.
"Due to our situation, given injuries and that there are just two days until the next game, the manager makes the decision of putting the best possible team out in that moment."
The Hornets expect to have new signing M'Baye Niang available against the Gunners, after his recent arrival from AC Milan.
The French forward joined on loan until the end of the season but, although he did not receive international clearance in time to feature against Millwall, he is likely to play some part against Arsenal.
Mazzarri added: "He is available (Niang). He will probably come with us. He hasn't been training a lot with the team but he is a player we can utilise in the game."
Fellow new signing Mauro Zarate remains suspended following a red card in Italy, while Jose Holebas serves the final match of a ban of his own and Costel Pantillimon is out for up to four weeks having suffered a leg injury on Sunday.
