Watford sporting director Cristiano Giaretta had today a chat with Tutto Mercato Web Radio show Stadio Aperto.
Despite a couple of questions about players from Udinese, a club he’s worked for in the past, most of the conversation was about the situation of the Hornets’ squad following the January transfer window.
First speaking of their campaign in the Championship, Giaretta highlighted how quickly things can change when you have two games per week.
“We had lost some ground, but recently we have regained it. Especially yesterday, at Preston, it’s a win that can give morale to the team: we hope to be more consistent in the results, in the Championship if you don’t win often you lose contact very soon”, Giaretta told Tutto Mercato Web Radio.
“Playing two games a week you always have to prepare, play and recover. On injury prevention we have a large staff of sports scientists and physiotherapists. A job that is decidedly more complex, but I think there are the potential to try to win this championship “.
So that’s when they started talking about players. On Adam Masina, Giaretta said: “I’m pleased to talk about him because he came back from the injury he had in September, and he did it great”.
“Many players, in delicate roles like that of the left-back, mature later: he’s 26 years old, and he can go back to being that important player we met in Italy.”
The director also spoke about Ken Sema playing in a more advanced role.
“He made the winger in the 4-4-2, now that we use the 4-3-3 he’s in the attacking three. He impacts, last game he scored a brace: goals or assists, he always knows how to create dangers there up front. I see him ready for the Premier League.”
Quizzed if João Pedro and Ismaila Sarr are already ‘temperamentally structured’, Giaretta has a positive response, and highlighted the Brazilian’s potential.
“I’d say yes. Joao Pedro has considerable potential, and here he is confirming himself. In attack he can occupy any role, both in the centre and wider: he’s flexible and I see him suitable for a top club.”
The official also praised Achraf Lazaar, who’s just signed a short-term deal with the club.
“First of all he’s a splendid guy, he came with contagious enthusiasm and he’s delighted to be here. If he looks back on his career, perhaps, he has to evaluate some mental aspects, having made some choices instead of others. But he still has the time to recover his career, because the player isn’t discussed. I repeat this thing to him every day, he has a great chance.”
Finally, Giaretta was asked if Watford’s position in the Championship table is fair, and the director has no complaints about it.
“I’d say yes. There is a bit of distance with Middlesbrough, and from Cardiff up the values seem to me to be those. In this league, however, there are no trivial matches, every match is playable and fought”.
