JAVI’S RIGHT UNDER COSH
<M<IP B@:B# <M<IP >F8C# <M<IP >8D< Hornets boss feels the heat after debut slump
NEW Watford boss Javi Gracia admits he is already feeling the heat after slumping to a debut defeat.
Globe-trotting Gracia is the triggerhappy Hornets’ 11th different manager in nine years.
The Spaniard said: “At this moment, I think it is accepted in every country and every league and every team that managers and coaches are in danger.
“You are on fire, we say in Spanish, meaning there are many risks and you are in danger.
“In England the level is higher – it is one of the best leagues, or the best, in the world and it is impossible to compare with others in the world.”
Gracia’s first game in charge could not have gone much worse after Jose Holebas and Christian Kabasele clashed with angry away fans following their limp cup exit.
Midfielder Ben Watson says the supporters were right to turn on the hapless Hornets.
“Fans have their opinion on everything and they pay their money to come and watch the team. If they think we haven’t performed, they have the right to say things,” he said.
“When you are winning games it is great and when you are losing, they can turn against you. But it is down to us to put it right and get them back on side.
“We are in this hole and we as players, as staff, and everyone involved, we have to get out of it.
“We are the ones who go out there and we have to put our best foot forward to get the results.”
Saints handed a late cameo to new £19m record buy Guido Carrillo following his switch from Monaco, but it was defender Jack Stephens who grabbed the winner with four minutes gone. Stephens poked in from close range after Shane Long’s initial shot had been saved. He then revealed his first goal for the club was inspired by training ground taunts from team-mates. The centre-back said: “I’ve missed a couple of chances in the last couple of weeks, so I have felt like it’s been getting closer and a few of the lads have been getting on at me. “It’s all light-hearted, to be fair. All the lads were really pleased for me and we’re happy we’re through to the next round. “My job’s obviously to defend and if I can get on the end of one in their box then it’s a bonus.” The win was Southampton’s first at St Mary’s since November and Mauricio Pellegrino’s side now face a crucial Premier League double header with fellow strugglers Brighton and West Brom. Stephens added: “We’re not going to deny they are big games. “We need to get points, but then they’re going to be fighting as well. “It’s going to be a battle, but I think if we play like this and like we did against Spurs, we will have no problems.” HOT SEAT: Gracia faces tough task SOUTHAMPTON (4-2-3-1): McCarthy 6; Cedric 7, Stephens 7, Hoedt 6, Bertrand 6 (Pied 40, 6); Davis 6, Romeu 6; TADIC 8 (Carrillo, 83), Hojbjerg 7, Boufal 7 (Yoshida, 67, 6); Long 6. Subs: Forster, Ward-Prowse, Lemina, Gabbiadini. UP NEXT: Brighton (h), Premier League, Wednesday. WATFORD (4-3-3): Karnezis 6; Janmaat 6 (Sinclair 75), Kabasele 6, Mariappa 6, HOLEBAS 7; Watson 6, Capoue 6 (Okaka 65, 6), Doucoure 6; Richarlison 6, Gray 6, Carrillo 6 (Pereyra 57, 6). Subs: Bachmann, Prodl, Zeegelaar, Success. UP NEXT: Stoke (a), Premier League, Wednesday. Referee: Bobby Madley 7. YOUR TURN: Which current Premier League boss was on the bench for Watford when they lost a semi-final 2-1 to Southampton at Villa Park in 2003?