http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/9944577.Zola_praises_the_impact_of_Deeney/ Actually I think he's spot on and very honest, especially when he made reference towards some players coming back from injuries and some players are not playing well.
Zola definitely doesn't make ridiculous excuses, and seems to notice the same flaws we do. That's only a good thing.
Zola just panics on the touchline he doesnt communicate effectively. The Hall substitution was absolute panic from Zola after Neuton nearly caused bristol city to score when they had a bout 5 shots in one move. Why did we also move the chelsea lad to right back after he had a great first half at centre mid. We should play 442. Murray on the wing chalobah abdi in the centre and foresteri and the left and then vydra and deeney upfront.
Zola has impressed me. Obviously I'm not everybody, but for me he isn't afraid to make changes at any point in the game and that bodes well. No favourites and if you aren't performing you come off pretty sharpish. Neuton was awful, he came off. Cassetti was getting hammered for pace, he came off. Forestieri wasn't effective, he came off. He seems to see things which the fans see and change them quickly - when was the last time a Watford manager did that? His subs actually affect the game. Since when can a Watford team shift to 3-5-2 in the middle of a game and then back again? Say what you like but you can't deny we are pretty fluid, I wouldn't like to play a team who can change formation at hte drop of a hat according to the prevailing game conditions. He is honest, has us playing good football and is dealing with an absurdly huge squad some of whom can't even speak English. All in all I think he is doing a great job and his post match interviews show that he isn't full of typical PR bollards and catchphrases.
Well he has always been an open honest person as footballer and manager. Which is why he is liked by everyone in the game. The season is still young and players are getting used to each other, improving their fitness but the kernel of a side is emerging. As PG said he has done very well thus far all things considered and the very late pre-season into actual season we are having. With a bit more ruthlessness upfront and getting to the byeline a tad more often I can see us there or thereabouts by the end of the season. And over that season having a squad in depth may turn out to be a blessing to cover any potential injuries. At present Battochio, Geijo and Bia are not even in the side.
There is hope because our squad is hugely impressive, but Zola's side has to start getting results. We are 7 games in now and we need to see signs of improvement. The side is still giving away big chances to the opposition and this will unhinge everything else he is trying to do. It's a results business and every manager knows this is the bottom line and how he will be judged on by fans and more importantly by his employers. It's all very well to say he's not afraid to change things, but I think his changes yesterday actually made us poorer defensively and it cost us a win. Let's be clear, if City hadn't missed the gift Yeates presented them in the final minute then we would have lost. We rode our luck there. With the squad he has at his disposal it's quite surprising we are still struggling. Dyche struggled initially but the squad we had this time last year was infinitely weaker by comparison. Zola cannot look say his squad does not have the necessary quality to succeed.
I'm not surprised we are struggling. Also I don't necessarily think that Dyche had a weaker squad last year - he had Mariappa and Taylor. Also, we have had a fair amount of injuries/fitness issues of late. Eustace has been out a bit of late and we have missed his influence. the majority of the lads from Udinese haven't played much competitive football, let alone Championship football. I'm sick of saying this now but they need to be given a chance. Playing 3 or so games and writing them off is just rediculous.
Being honest & a decent bloke is a good thing, but it doen't win football matches. The key thing is, is he any good as a manager? So far I've seen little evidance that he is, either here or at Spam. All good managers have to overcome limited budgets, player problems, squad problems, fitness problems etc etc. SD came good for us last season with a lot more 5h1t to contend with IMO. I've no doubt The Pozz will replace Zola if need be, but I'd like him to come good if only because I like him. If not though, ah well.
