http://www.chelseafc.com/article.asp?id=179605
No Carlo, no pitch worries, lots of respect
Friday, Jan 02, 2004
Claudio Ranieri refused to use the poor state of the Vicarage Road pitch
as any excuse today ahead of tomorrow’s FA Cup tie at Watford.
“We are used to playing at Stamford Bridge,” he pointed out. “Stamford
Bridge is not fantastic. We hear the pitch is not good. But that is a part of
the tactics, you look at the pitch and then play the best way.”
He will be selecting tactics which do not include Carlo Cudicini in goal
as the goalkeeper has not recovered from the groin strain he suffered at
Charlton. However, there is real optimism he will be ready to face Liverpool
in the Premiership next Wednesday.
It’s likely, of course, that there will be two of Carlo’s reserves on
view because Watford are likely to field on loan Lenny Pidgeley in goal.
“I’m hoping Lenny Pidgeley will play well,” Claudio insisted. “For
him it is a good experience against Chelsea. I want him to have this and to
keep improving.”
The harsh conditions and the special atmosphere of an English Cup tie was
not something which would affect his team selection, said the manager. “I
always pick a first team. And I want to put in all the players the English
spirit, and this is a good experience for them.”
Watford have played a 4-3-3 formation for much of the season, a fluid
shape that can drop to a 4-5-1 when they haven’t got the ball. Five
midfielders in opposition has caused Chelsea problems at time, but Claudio is
not concerned by that.
“Watford can play like that or 4-4-2. I watch them on tapes and they are
a combative team, they work very hard, they want to win, it’s normal. We know
what to expect, a lot of people behind the ball, the long ball, the
counter-attack. We will respect them.”
He didn’t rise to the stories in today’s papers of paupers Watford
against mega-rich Chelsea, or of how hard Ray Lewington’s job might be
compared to his. He just shrugged. “It is the first year of the Abramovich era
, no-one says how much has Manchester, had Arsenal, or has been spent by
Newcastle, Liverpool? Everyone speaks about the money of Abramovich.
“All the jobs are difficult. There isn’t an easy job. It is just
important the work.”
And the work, the tactics, in preparation of this tie has been simple.
“I want to see the team come back. December is finished. Now we must win.”
Neil Barnett
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