THERE was no hiding the disappointment for Luca Vialli after Tuesday night's (October 23) defeat by Nottingham Forest.

"It is quite disappointing because we thought we had turned the corner and that we are on our way up," he said.

"I think we did not defend particularly well which was a pity because we worked so hard to go in front against a very good side, that at times played better than us.

"We knew it was going to be tight, and we knew it was going to be hard work.

"The way we conceded two goals yes, we should have done better. It happens and we have got to accept that. It was a bit harsh but Nottingham played ever so well.

"Even when we went one goal up we knew it was going to be tight and difficult. It was probably about being mentally a bit stronger and a bit more solid. When you work so hard to get in front, you should not give the first goal away so easily.

"Unfortunately, in this division, you have to accept you can have a setback. Again it was more down to the way Nottingham played than the way we played, even though I have got to say that our lack of quality was quite evident this evening.

"We got ourselves in good positions, especially down the two flanks, but our delivery, our final passes, weren't good enough tonight.

"Especially after we had made a few mistakes we showed that, mentally, we have got to be a bit stronger, and, instead of hiding, we should get the ball and make things happen.

"It is about confidence I think. At the moment, our confidence is OK, but not that strong."

Vialli said in the after-match discussion all were in agreement that Forest were probably the best side Watford have played this season.

"At the moment, they have great confidence and you have got to be aggressive against them. We were not aggressive enough in the first half, but were more so in the second half. Probably a bit of tiredness did not help.

We gave them too much time on the ball. Forest showed great confidence in keeping the ball and moved it around very well, and the two strikers, at the moment, are on fire."

Referring to Vialli's observation about a lack of quality, he was asked if he was looking to strengthen the side.

"No, no. I think it was a one-off. It happens when you play so many games. You feel a bit of fatigue and you cannot always be at your best. We have quality in our side, but we lacked it tonight," he said.

October 30, 2001 15:30