adminPaulo Pezzolano on Millwall test and set-piece defending
Paulo Pezzolano is using Watford’s performance at Swansea last month as the blueprint as he aims for his first away win as head coach.
The Hornets were the better side for an hour in South Wales – and Pezzolano wants them to repeat the intensity and physicality from that day at Millwall on Monday night.
More: Pezzolano: ‘The word ‘process’ sounds like an excuse – but it is the reality’
He said: “Swansea would be the reference, the benchmark, especially for our away games.
“That day we were very physical, we were very intense and that is the goal, while also improving on that performance offensively.”
Pezzolano has done his homework on Monday’s hosts and is preparing his side for a bruising encounter – but also believes more intricate possession can be a way of combatting physicality.
He said: “They will connect passes when you allow them to, they have big strikers and they always finish on the sides for crosses into the box.
“They win second balls and they have many interesting qualities. The players work on a daily basis to be prepared because Millwall are a reflection of what the Championship is
“But at the same time we also have our weapons to harm them during the game.
“When you have an opposition team who are really good physically and in duels, sometimes the way to counter that is playing more with different things on the ball.
“If you want to compete exclusively at that, maybe it’s not going to be enough. We have to be prepared to play a different way to them.”
Set-piece defending has been a thorn in the Hornets’ side so far this season, with two of the six league goals they have conceded coming from corners and several other dead-ball situations causing them problems.
Pezzolano revealed a little more about how set-piece coaching works at London Colney.
He said: “Yes, we need to improve it, for sure.
“Millwall are very strong from them so we have been working to improve.
“One of the club analysts, James Duckering, has been given the opportunity to work on the set-pieces because he produced extensive studies on the subject.
“I take ultimate responsibility for everything, though.”
Pezzolano then joked: “When we score and defend well, that would be James’ work – on the mistakes, that’s my responsibility.”
admin
