THERE was an air of relief around the Watford camp that the erosion of confidence was arrested by Tuesday's (October 9) encouraging display.

Manager Luca Vialli said: "That was absolutely more like it. It was a good performance and a team performance. I was pleased to see the players were working and helping each other out a bit more. Also, especially in the first half, we realised when it was time to try and pass the ball around, and when it was time to go forward and go for the second ball.

"I am pleased as well because we were much more solid at the back, and also up front we were a constant threat with Smith and Gifton."

Asked when he last managed a side that last scored three goals through headers, he said he could not recall, but most probably at Chelsea because "they had good headers there".

As for his relief at the end of a winless run, he said: "Obviously, everybody was a bit pissed off with the situation because all players and management realise that although you try to do your job in the best possible way, the results are not coming. It was nice to have a break last week because we could work on a few things."

Asked about the large number of inherited or home-grown boys Vialli is using, the manager said: "That is an asset I am perfectly aware of. It is not my intention to waste it. Having said that, if at the end somebody is never going to be good enough then I will get someone better in.

"I have a lot of young players who have come through the Academy system, and when you have got players like that who know the club, are prepared to work hard, and see the club go forward, it is good. If, on top of that, they have got ability, then as a manager you can't be anything but happy."

"We treat all competitions the same way. We go on the pitch and try to win games. It is nice to see we are now in the next round, and it would be nice to be drawn against a good team. Financially it is good for the club because it brings in revenue.

"The crowd has been very good to us so far and been very patient. They realise things are not going to happen overnight before we are playing at our best, but, as I said, we have a few things to make up for, and I think our performance tonight makes up for a few bad performances."

But the quality of the display was not a surprise.

"I was expecting a good performance," he said. "I have been working well with the players for the last 10 days. That was the way they approached the game. That is how I want to play. The main thing is the spirit. The tempo was right and we were solid at the back."

October 13, 2001 0:24