Valerien Ismael: Watford head coach confident of board's backing
- Published
Valerien Ismael is looking for more from his players in the final months of the season
Watford head coach Valerien Ismael believes he still has the backing of the club's board despite only one win in their last seven Championship games.
The Hornets are 11th in the table ahead of Saturday's visit to Millwall, 11 points outside the play-off places.
Ismael had his usual meeting with senior club officials in the week.
"We are all on board, we still believe in our way we know but it was clear everyone was not happy with the performances," he said.
"This is a normal feeling to talk about because this is not what we want to see.
"We spoke about the situation and what is the solution, what is the next step."
Watford have had three head coaches in both of the previous two seasons.
But the club have been patient with the former Barnsley and West Bromwich Albion boss, who was appointed last May and signed a contract extension in October.
Ismael's team have not been higher than seventh place since they took four points from their opening two matches.
Their only win since 20 January was at bottom club Rotherham United, and last Saturday against Huddersfield Town they suffered their seventh home defeat of the campaign.
Ismael made two substitutions after only 27 minutes and although they later took the lead through Emmanuel Dennis, the Terriers hit back to take the three points.
"When a team perform like that it is always difficult for any manager but now the focus is on the next game," Ismael added.
"We change a lot of things, we reshape just to find the right way, to make sure we can compete and especially perform much better than we did last week, and we know we can do it better.
"I know my players and I know what they are capable of. This is what we need to see in the 12 games to the end of the season."