Watford's Valon Behrami: It’s tough now but goals will come

Room for improvement: Behrami believes Watford will gel
Stu Forster/Getty Images
24 August 2015

Watford have shown enough to suggest they can stay in the Premier League, but Valon Behrami has warned they must be more ruthless in front of goal.

The Hornets remain unbeaten after three matches and produced another encouraging performance against Southampton. But while they have made a solid start, their lack of cutting edge is likely to be a concern for head coach Quique Sanchez Flores.

Watford have now failed to score in successive home games and they missed two gilt-edged opportunities to win yesterday. Odion Ighalo spurned a big chance and Etienne Capoue headed over from three yards out, with the goal gaping. They failed to register a shot on target and midfielder Behrami says they need to be more clinical.

“In the Premier League you do not get as many chances and you need to take them,” said the 30-year-old Swiss. “We are disappointed because we wanted to get that first win of the season and, of course, there is a bit of frustration.

“We need confidence up front, because at the back we look solid. I am sure it is just a matter of time because the strikers are working really well and it is going to come. It is frustrating for everyone but I see the strikers working and they can handle the pressure. It will be better, for sure.”

Watford scored 91 goals in the Championship last season but remain a work in progress under Flores, so their lack of cohesion in front of goal is understandable. Flores started with six of his 11 new signings yesterday and while Alessandro Diamanti added a creative spark when he came on, the team is getting used to a system that has yet to get the best out of Troy Deeney.

Deeney, who has scored 66 goals in the past three seasons, is yet to open his Premier League account and has struggled in his new role as the lone striker. The Watford captain has lacked support but he has dismissed suggestions he is unhappy with his role.

“Apparently I am frustrated and on a goal drought,” he said. “If I was not frustrated after not scoring it would be a little bit weird, frankly. But that does not mean I am unhappy.”

Next up for Watford is Manchester City away on Saturday and a reunion for Flores with Sergio Aguero and David Silva, two players he worked with at Atletico Madrid.

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