Slaven Bilic questions players’ attitude as Watford slip to defeat at Blackpool

Posted Sunday, October 09, 2022 by PA

Slaven Bilic slammed his new Watford side after they slumped to a second consecutive defeat with a 3-1 loss at Blackpool.

The Hornets were undone by two late Jerry Yates goals as the home side picked up just their second win of the season.

Imran Louza equalised for Watford in the first half after Gary Madine had put the hosts ahead, but the visitors wilted late on and Bilic took aim at his squad after another disappointing performance.

“The story is very simple – the quality we have on paper is just not good enough,” he said.

“We have to start fighting for one another and we can’t start pointing the finger.

“I need to see the players show more desire and fight because this is a tough league and it’s my job to get that into them.

“Perhaps it’s even about the mentality of the players. I need to see them show that mentality to want to do it for one another in every game.”

The result leaves Watford just two points ahead of Blackpool, who had not won since the opening day of the season prior to the meeting at Bloomfield Road.

Bilic was full of praise for the Tangerines, however, who he believes showed the desire and determination required to win the game.

“Credit to Blackpool, they showed the fight that you need and they’ve got the two goals to seal the win,” he said.

“On the day Blackpool were quicker, sharper and more determined than us. They anticipated things ahead of us and in the second half they definitely raised their game.”

Bilic’s opposite number, Michael Appleton, agreed with those sentiments, praising the industry of his side as they claimed a vital win that puts them four points clear of the relegation zone.

“It’s a massive win for us,” he said. “We always knew Watford were going to have their spells in the game, and when they scored to equalise their tails were up.

“In the second half we were so much better, though. We were aggressive and we were on the front foot. We were a lot braver with the ball, and we created a number of chances.

“You have to earn the right to get back into games and we did that.

“If we go to Sheffield next week and show the same attitude, we can get a result there. The lads have shown a lot of character today.”