Rich roars back
MARCO SILVA believes Richarlison can fire up Watford’s league campaign after being benched last weekend.
The Brazilian appeared for the final 33 minutes of the FA Cup win over Bristol City.
Silva believes that could prove the catalyst for the winger to end his 11-game goal drought.
It could also help Watford secure only their second win in 10 league games when Southampton visit Vicarage Road today.
Silva said: “Richarlison needed a rest. Sometimes it is not just a lack of energy but sometimes if you are tired but confident, you can’t always tell if you are tired.
“He feels confidence when he scores and that’s really important as well, but he hasn’t done that recently.
“I felt it was important for him to rest. He played half an hour. I think we will see him at his best.”
Silva insists he is unaware of any offer for Troy Deeney, who has been linked with a switch to West Brom.
But he admits he does not yet know if the club skipper will start against Saints. He said: “I don’t know if there has been an offer for Troy. I think he is happy here and preparing for the next game.
“We have three options in attack. We need them as well.
“At this moment, we’ve played without a lot of options in our attack and out wide, and for the last 11 games Troy was available for four. That’s not normal without injuries.
“We gave him 90 minutes and he’s ready, like Andre Gray and Stefano Okaka. I will decide who is best for tomorrow’s game, and maybe one will be on the bench to help too.”
Important
Silva was linked with the vacant Southampton job last summer.
But he said: “It’s not important. What’s important is tomorrow – it’s an important game for both teams.
“It’s an important game for both teams, for both coaches, for 50 players.
“On the last day of the Premier League, it will decide things but not now. It’s a good opportunity for us to take points against a good team.
“The progress we have shown in the past games, we have to continue in this way.”