Rob Edwards expects a ‘positive reaction’ from Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup defeat to MK Dons, as Watford prepare to welcome Queens Park Rangers to Vicarage Road on Saturday afternoon (August 27, 3pm KO).
Edwards, disappointed by what he saw in the cup tie, seeks to repay the supporters’ faith and give them a more enjoyable performance to watch. The Golden Boys, unbeaten so far in this league campaign, take on the Rs having won their first two Sky Bet Championship games at The Vic 1-0.
“We’re all winners, and it hurt us,” Edwards admitted. “The players know I expect a reaction and the performance wasn’t good enough for our standards, and the stuff we spoke about after the game and the next day will be enough. I know there will be a positive reaction. You can never guarantee a win, but I’m sure there will be a reaction.
“The fans always play a major role but it’s down to us to get them going and engage them which is something we didn’t do in midweek, and that was one of the disappointments, we want to excite the fans.
“There are times where it’s going to be tough and we’ll need them, and they’ve shown this season that they can have a real influence in these games and play a big part in getting us over the line.”
QPR are under new management, with former Rangers and Aston Villa first-team coach Michael Beale having been appointed ahead of the new season.
Edwards has been impressed by Beale’s impact so far at Loftus Road, is looking forward to meeting him and is wary of the threat his side poses this weekend.
“Michael Beale is a young guy, but very experienced,” continued Edwards. “I’ve not come across him yet, but I’m looking forward to meeting him properly tomorrow. I’m well aware of his recent past. When you have worked with someone like Steven Gerrard there is always going to be a bit more of a furore about you. He is an extremely well thought of coach in the world of football.
“QPR are a well-coached team doing things a little bit differently. They make changes in games and they have lots of technical and individual players that can make a difference by themselves or in quick combinations.
“They will provide a really stern test for us and one we are looking forward to, because we have lots of those things as well. It should make for an exciting game.”
Reflecting on the opening five league games and his start to life at Watford so far, Edwards has admired the tenacity and flexibility of the group. While encouraged by their progress, he is even more excited by what’s to come from the squad moving forward.
“It’s been a challenging first month or so,” Edwards reflected. “We have had to change and adapt at times to certain situations, and that’s the most pleasing thing, players have shown they can adapt, they’re very coachable and have been able to play different ways and get results.
“The most encouraging thing for me is there’s more to come, and that starts against QPR on Saturday.”
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