Defender Wesley Hoedt has called on his Watford teammates to use the momentum gained from Saturday’s thumping season-opening win over QPR to kickstart a run in the Carabao Cup, ahead of Tuesday evening’s first-round clash at Stevenage (August 8, 7.45pm KO).
The Hornets started life under Head Coach Valérien Ismaël’s tutelage in perfect fashion last time out, as first-half goals from Tom Dele-Bashiru, Imrân Louza, Matheus Martins and Vakoun Bayo earned a comfortable three points against the R’s at The Vic.
While Netherlands international Hoedt suggested that he expects some changes to the squad for the trip across Hertfordshire to the Lamex Stadium, he is confident everyone at the club is in tune with the style of play that has been implemented over the summer.
“Saturday was very pleasing because we got exactly what we wanted,” said the 29-year-old, who was named in Ismaël’s leadership group ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. “We wanted to win with a clear plan and a nice way of playing football, and I think we did that.
“Particularly in the first half, I think we showed how much has changed here so far. We worked hard for seven weeks, and all the credit has to go to the manager for bringing a lot of different elements to the squad. I think everything came together brilliantly on Saturday.
“Now we have to go again in the cup against Stevenage, which is another exciting challenge in the season. We’ve spoken to the group about how we have a lot of games and that we’re going to need everyone, but we’re all together and I’m sure whoever plays will do the job.”
Steve Evans’ Stevenage will be full of confidence having opened their season with a 1-0 win at Northampton on Saturday, after clinching promotion from Sky Bet League Two during a 2022/23 season that also saw them defeat Aston Villa on their way to the Emirates FA Cup fourth round.
Hoedt is clear however that everyone within the Golden Boys’ camp is determined to banish memories of last year’s disappointing second-round exit at home to MK Dons in the Carabao Cup, while he is also looking forward to being reacquainted with the Watford supporters at the first away game of 2023/24.
He added: “Even though some players might come in and out, no-one’s going to go into the Stevenage game with a different mindset to Saturday. There’s a prize and a trophy up for grabs - and as players that’s what you play for - so we’ll all be taking it very seriously.
“Our fans are always amazing, and it was brilliant to see them again at the weekend after the break over the summer. We need to continue repaying their trust, and that’s another reason why we’ll be going at full steam.”
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