Friday, November 4, 2016

Walter Mazzarri is 'not worried' about the prospect of Watford being sanctioned

Walter Mazzarri and Watford have lost just one of their last seven
Walter Mazzarri and Watford have lost just one of their last seven

Watford head coach Walter Mazzarri says he has not even met former chairman Raffaele Riva and is not worried about the club facing possible sanctions.

Riva stepped down from his post on Wednesday night, saying he wanted to '"focus on other business interests".

The announcement came in the wake of the news that the Football League is investigating allegations Watford provided the organisation with a forged letter in 2014, as evidence that incoming owner Gino Pozzo could bankroll the club.

Shortly after Riva announced his departure, Watford released a statement, which said in part: "We can assure every supporter the club acted __with honesty, integrity and in good faith at every step and is not guilty of any wrongdoing."

Liverpool vs Watford

November 6, 2016, 1:30pm

Live on Sky Sports 1 HD

Get Sky Sports Get a Sky Sports pass

And Mazzarri said at his Thursday press conference that he was also unconcerned.

"I am perfect," said the Italian. "I am not worried at all.

"I never met him [Riva] and never had the pleasure to meet him. I know he was in charge in that position but I never had the pleasure to meet him.

"I always speak inside the club __with the president Giampaolo Pozzo, chief executive Scott Duxbury and sporting director Luke Dowling."

On the field, things are going smoothly for Mazzarri, with Watford lying seventh ahead of their trip to Liverpool on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 1.

Troy Deeney will again bid for his 100th Watford goal on Sunday
Troy Deeney will again bid for his 100th Watford goal on Sunday

However, key man Troy Deeney is without a goal in three games, as he searches for his 100th for the club.

"It's possible it's a psychological problem because on Sunday [against Hull] he should have scored," Mazzarri said.

"Now hopefully he can score on Sunday so that, from here on, he can score as many as possible."

Mazzarri is likely to be without Sebastian Prodl at Anfield after the defender was forced off late on against Hull due to a muscle injury.

A late decision will also be made on striker Stefano Okaka, who is close to recovering from a hamstring strain.

Football Score Centre app

Sky Sports customers can watch Premier League goals and highlights every weekend at no extra cost.

Mazzarri added: "Unfortunately, Prodl has been added to the injury list. I don't think that he will be able to be available for this weekend, but we will see.

"We will also think about Okaka but I don't want to run the risk of him getting even more injured. We will decide last minute."