Watford coach Gracia optimistic ahead of FA Cup final

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, May 17, 2019
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LONDON, May 17 (Xinhua) -- Watford coach Javi Gracia knows his side will be underdogs when they face Manchester City in Saturday's FA Cup final at Wembley, but is hopeful they can cause an upset against the recently crowned Premier League Champions.

Manchester City's 4-1 win at Brighton last Sunday saw them crowned Premier League Champions for the second year running and their 14-match winning streak implies they will be tough to beat.

Watford meanwhile lost the last three games of an otherwise positive campaign to end 11th in the Premier League.

"I think Manchester City is the best team in the Premier...They won the Premier and they deserve that recognition," Gracia said speaking to the press ahead of the final.

Gracia is focused on his own team, saying that this season's finish is "only one step because we are more ambitious. It's not enough for us, we want to improve."

"I think I'll feel very proud of my team because this season has been amazing and I said in other moments the success of this season doesn't depend only about the final result."

"In my opinion, my players deserve the recognition because they've done many, many things well," he insisted.

Saturday will be Watford's second FA Cup final in the club's history after they were beaten 2-0 by Everton back in 1984 and Gracia said he was surprised how the prospect of another final had excited everyone around the club.

"I didn't realize how important this competition is until I arrived here and could feel the supporters and the importance of this competition but now I can say I know it and I'm very proud to be here," he commented.

Watford had good news earlier in the week with the confirmation that defender Jose Holebas will be able to play after the red card he was shown in last weekend's defeat to West Ham was rescinded by the FA and he will be able to play in the final. Enditem

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