LUCA VIALLI has had to adjust his football philosophies to meet the strengths of the team. The Watford boss admitted there had been changes in tactics and approach which helped bring about two vital home victories.

Disappointed and frustrated by Tuesday's (October 16) postponement after the players appeared to have the bit between their teeth, and were anxious to take their new-found approach to try and end their away doldums, Vialli's men will now seek to gain their first away point or three of the season at Grimsby Town on Saturday.

Asked about the change of tactics, Vialli said: "There are a few factors altogether. I am quite pleased the players got a bit pissed off with the fact we were not winning the games. As a manager, you need that: players with a bit of pressure and a desire to get results.

"So I think that was one of the main factors."

Vialli admitted that they had changed tactics to a degree.

"We have changed tactically a few things. Instead of the players doing what I wanted from them, I have kind of adjusted the system to the players' strengths. It has been quite hard because I have had to change my philosophy in a way, but I think that is the way it has to go.

"If you see things are not working out then you have to change and make it easier for the players."

Watford looked more positive and a bigger threat when going forward in the last two games.

"I think we play the ball forward when it is the right time to play it, and, obviously, when we are under pressure, if we do not see the pass to the middle of the park or one of the two flanks, then we play the ball forward.

"But it is not just a case of playing the ball forward: it is knowing where you are playing the ball, knowing where the strikers want the ball, and having the players moving around.

"I don't think we have changed our tactics in that we just kick it forward.

"I think it is more about the shape of the team, more about where we start defending, and it is more about the defensive side of the game because this is where we have been struggling up until the last week."

October 19, 2001 10:53

By Oliver Phillips