Watford’s manager Javi Gracia has emphasized the need for his team to enhance their performance if they want to “maintain their standard in the Championship,” following a heavy 5-1 defeat to Bristol City that resulted in their exit from the FA Cup.
“Before the match, I shared with the players how significant this competition [the FA Cup] is to me,” Gracia told BBC Radio Three Counties.
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“I have fond memories from reaching the FA Cup final [with Watford in 2019].
“The players were eager, but in the first half, we were more competitive than in the second. We created several chances in the first half, but failed to convert them, allowing our opponents to score.
“In the second half, however, our performance dropped. I’m not sure what caused the change, but we defended poorly and allowed the opposition too many opportunities. This is something we need to discuss and improve if we aim to maintain our level in the Championship.”
Currently, Watford sits in sixth place in the Championship, enjoying a streak of four consecutive league victories.