Slavisa Jokanovic believes his Watford reign got off to the perfect start at Sheffield Wednesday and the Hornets boss says he doesn’t yet know how good his side can become.
The Golden Boys more than deserved their comfortable 3-0 win at Hillsborough. Odion Ighalo tapped in the first goal from close range before Almen Abdi’s effort from distance fortunately ended in the net.
Matej Vydra completed the scoring in the second period. The striker, who was a constant threat throughout, deftly finished over Keiren Westwood to complete the win.
Watford, bar the closing moments, were in control throughout against Wednesday and a pleased Jokanovic said: “It is a perfect day for me and for the team. We have a long road in front of us though and we must forget this game and start thinking about Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.”
He continued: “We are top of the table but it is not very important. For us it is important to be competitive so we can be up there at the end of the season.
“That is our target and I believe this team has room to improve. After ten days here, it’s difficult for me to give you an answer about what is the top level for this side.
“I still need time; it is what all coaches ask for.”
Wednesday boss Stuart Gray felt his side were punished by an incorrect offside decision in the build-up to Watford’s opener.
Fernando Forestieri clipped a pass over the hosts' defence to Vydra who may have been marginally offside before teeing up Ighalo for a tap in.
Jokanovic claimed he hadn’t seen the goal back and wouldn’t want to state his opinion until he had.
Czech Republic international Vydra looks has rediscovered his goal-scoring touch in recent matches and the Hornets head coach was impressed with the striker.
“Vydra is a quality player, this is nothing new," Jokanovic said.
"He played a good game and understood exactly what we wanted from him. That is the same for Ighalo and Fernando, they knew what the staff wanted them to do in the game.
“They had good movement, created many gaps and scored goals.”
Watford captain Troy Deeney played the final nine minutes of the contest as he made his return from a hamstring injury.
The striker is not yet ready to start according to Jokanovic who added: “He will need some minutes.
“He needs to be 100 per cent because he is very important to the team.”
Jokanovic says he plans to make tactical modifications to the side going forward and that he “will not start this 11 throughout the season.”
The Watford boss was pleased with how the Golden Boys managed the game and believes keeping possession benefits his side.
He explained: “We want a philosophy where we have more control in the matches, that’s very important for us.
"We want that mix of continental and English football. If we try and play like Sheffield Wednesday, who are more physical than us, then we are more likely to lose the game.
“We want a different way for us. Not because we’re cleverer than other teams but because it suits the players we have.”
Video courtesy of Sheffield Wednesday's YouTube channel.
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