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Watford fans make feelings known as Pezzolano explains decision to sub off Irankunda on 35 minutes

Watford fans make their feelings known as Paulo Pezzolano explains the decision to sub off Nestory Irankunda on 35 minutes.

It came in the 35th minute, with Paulo Pezzolano saying it was due to the player appearing fatigued, aiming to prevent injury.

Irankunda reacted furiously, punching a chair and throwing a water bottle before leaving the field.

Both Pezzolano and teammate Mattie Pollock noted that Irankunda had calmed down by the end of the game, and suggested the incident could be a learning experience for the young player.

Pollock added that Irankunda understood the decision and holds trust in the manager’s choices.

The game itself saw Adrian Segecic earned a point for Pompey in topsy-turvy clash. Despite Watford going ahead through Rocco Vata’s goal and assist after Yang Min-hyeok’s early strike, Segecic’s 79th minute goal off the bench to share the points, maintaining pressure on Watford manager Paulo Pezzolano.

BBC Sport report that Watford put in a superb second-half performance after being dominated in the opening 45 minutes.

Yang Min-hyeok had opportunities to to extend Portsmouth’s lead. Despite discontent from Watford fans at half time, singing ‘ you’re getting sacked in the morning’ at boss Paulo Pezzolano as he made his way down the tunnel at the break, a reaction was needed and Watford came back to go 2-1 in front, until Segecic’s late leveller.

The result sees Watford 16th in the Championship table with 9 points from 8 games, while Portsmouth are 17th with the same.

Paulo Pezzolano said, per Watford Observer: “He [Irankunda] didn’t seem fresh.

“He wasn’t able to recover after an effort and we didn’t want to take any chances with any risk of injury or anything like that. We are playing a lot of games one next to each other.

“He’s a young player and he has been living a different situation.

“He’s been scoring goals and putting in some really good performances, many things going so well all of a sudden. This might be good for him.”

He said, per BBC Sport: “He [Irankunda] didn’t seem fresh. He didn’t seem like he was able to recover after an effort and I didn’t want to take any risk with injury. Rocco came in and did incredibly well.

“It’s good for him and for the team. He’s a young player, he’s been scoring goals, he’s been having some good performances. This is good for him but the important thing is not taking any risks.”

Pollock meanwhile added: “I’ve spoken to him in there and he’s totally fine.

“He understands that that’s football. We have a lot of trust in the gaffer, so if he makes a decision we all trust it.

“I’ll probably be taken off early in games – maybe I should have been tonight!

“Rocco [Vata] has come on and done unbelievably, so that’s on the manager.

“Nestory is fine.”

Watford boss Paulo Pezzolano on the game:

“The game was two different parts completely. The first part we were a little bit too stretched on the pitch, but in the second part we were more compact and showed better face.

“The good news is that the team is showing good character, determination and courage to turn the games around.

“We have seen slow starts since last year but luckily in a moment in the game the team turns things around. We need to find out the root reason and fix it.”

Portsmouth boss John Mousinho told BBC Radio Solent:

“It does feel like a game we should have won. We gave the ball away a little really cheaply at times which meant we got countered on which was a real frustration.

“It was important to end the losing run. We thought we could come here and win the game but it feels like a bit of a hammer blow the way we went behind.

“We have another home game here on Saturday which is a chance to get back to winning ways.”

Mousinho per Sky Sports:

“It feels like two points dropped because of the positivity of the performance, particularly in the first half.

“We look at some of these games where if Watford slice us apart with good play then we think ‘that is the Championship’ but the two goals we conceded were so poor.

“They feel like the two worst ones of the season, especially 30 seconds into the second half having played so well for 45 minutes.

“I am pleased we got back into the game and kept going. There are plenty of positives but ultimately we need to be better from the kick-off.

“It is crucial that we have the firepower to come off the bench. It is encouraging to see Adrian come off the bench and get his goal.”

Watford fans make their feelings known as Pezzolano explains the decision to sub off Irankunda on 35 minutes…

@natehenryy: Love it lads, keep it going 👏

@piffpuffpoof: Hows about Pozzo Out!!! #watfordfc

@Jaketet03: So confused at this, can any Watford fan explain why you’ve subbed your best player off?

@hyena4: Fair play walking down the tunnel. I wouldn’t want to be near that joke of a manager. Get him out.

@azatampswfc: Any chance we can sub Paulo?

@watfordspeak: Is he fucking serious? Irankunda is quite rightly absolutely furious. Like to see him defend that one

@AllegedlyR: Pezzolano out. The players clearly don’t like him and that is a receipe for disaster. Kind of pleased we are losing as he really needs to go and hopefully that will be the final nail in the coffin!

@TimmyJo2024: Absolute joke of a manager. Why embarass the kid, could have just had a tactical chat with him instead. The players are not happy playing for him at all.

@jessnfred1979: Needs sacking tonight. Should have been sacked on Saturday even after the win

@RyanThruss: We’re #WatfordFC we’ll sack who we want

@pfcmichael: Been your best player and didn’t look injured ??

@keelowfc: sack him at half time. sincerely, everyone.

@HJClarke95: And rightly so. Disgrace of a coach and appointment by the Owner and Board #watfordfc

@Yas3rICanBoogie: make our biggest asset hate the club, nice one paulo!

@joebphotog: Irankunda didn’t look happy on the pitch, complaining to the players etc. Big decision by manager and if it doesn’t work out, he could be in trouble. A few players look disinterested so maybe manager showing them who’s the boss. Big 2nd half ahead

@o_dcfc: Watford doing watford things

@fitts1867: Goal and assist for the sub.. gaffer is a genius

@Walsallfantasti:
Does the Watford manager really mind getting sacked
Imagine the payouts for the last 5 years 😳 🤯🤯

@WFC_Jack04: Keep it going

@S5B93: Good, fucking clown needs to go

@Thfc20031: Watford fans wanting a manager sacked? Never

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