Watford boss Walter Mazzarri says he needs to change his side’s mentality following Tuesday’s shock 2-1 EFL Cup defeat to League One Gillingham.
The Italian used the game to give a number of his fringe players the chance to impress and despite some sloppy play, all appeared to be going to plan when substitute Odion Ighalo put the Hornets ahead on 57 minutes.
That did not deter the Kent club however, as despite Bradley Dack missing a penalty, Mark Byrne fired in with eight minutes to go to send the game into extra time and Dack made amends by scoring the winner.
The final whistle was greeted by boos from the Vicarage Road crowd and Mazzarri admitted he was not surprised by the reaction.
Having implemented his favoured 3-5-2 formation since arriving at the club, he admits he must now focus on changing the mindset of his players.
The 54-year-old’s team host Arsenal on Saturday, a game they are 4.75 to win, with the draw 3.60 and the Gunners, who also only have a single point from their two Premier League outings, are priced at 1.75.
Mazzarri struggled to contain his anger after Tuesday’s defeat and admitted that he will need to change his side’s attitude if they are to enjoy a successful campaign.
Speaking through a translator he said: “I’m sorry, especially for the fans. They don’t deserve to see us losing.
They were very warm when they supported us. They are right [when they booed], they were upset and I accept what the fans say.
“As soon as we go ahead, we completely changed the way we played. This is what I need to work, I need to change this mentality.”
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