Having jumped into committed tackles, made vital clearances and nearly scored a goal of his own at the other end, Watford’s 0-0 draw with Preston North End was far from a quiet afternoon for Francisco Sierralta.
The defender was pleased his side could extend their unbeaten run to five in the Sky Bet Championship, a start to the season that was last achieved under Graham Taylor in the 2000/01 campaign, and was satisfied with a point, but felt the team could have gone on to collect all three at Deepdale.
“It was a difficult game but it was 0-0, so it’s positive that we didn’t concede, we’re unbeaten,” remarked the Chilean. “Of course we know that we need to get three points in these kinds of situations, so what we have to do is keep pushing and keep working.
“We are happy because we’re working very well, we’re focused on each game. Sometimes it’s better to lose one game and win the others rather than draw two, but it’s good because we’re working together as a team and haven’t lost a single game. We now need to focus on the next one.”
Sierralta has played every game under Head Coach Rob Edwards this season, proving his capabilities in a defensive three and four. Following on from a successful time in the Championship at Watford in the 2020/21 season, the centre-back feels the team are adapting well and displaying cohesion on the pitch.
“I feel good, we’ve played three at the back and played with four for one game as well because we need to adapt to do what Rob wants,” Sierralta continued.
“It’s good because we’re working all together as a team, we always try to improve our defensive phase and transition together, and not to concede too many chances. We did well because we didn’t concede any goals, but hopefully next time the ball goes in!”
Consecutive away games this week are followed by three home games to close out August, against Queens Park Rangers (August 27, 3pm KO), Middlesbrough (August 30, 8pm KO) and a Carabao Cup game up next against MK Dons (August 23, 7.45pm KO). Relishing a return to home comforts, Sierralta stressed the importance of the vocal Hornets support.
“It’s good after two games away to go back home,” explained the 25-year-old. “We didn’t lose but after these points we dropped, we need to get the points at home.
“It’s very important, they’re always behind us and you can see in the games we won at home, it’s because of the atmosphere they created. The reality is that they have to stay with us and know that from the pitch we can hear them and they make a difference.”
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