Slade understands fans frustration

Last updated : 29 December 2014 By Michael Morris

"The fans are entitled to their opinions and when the team is not playing well, as we are, then you have to expect that situation to arise, Said Russell Slade.

"But when you are stood on the sidelines and have done for as many games as I have, in my career, you are only focused on finding a way back into the game.

"It's inevitable that you come under pressure when results are not going your way and it's frustrating (at) times for us.

"I'm sure that the owner (Vincent Tan), like me, is not over-enthralled with the results right now. But I have to be tunnel-visioned and we will keep working hard."

He explained: “I thought we stuck to the game plan well early on, certainly we were pleased at 1-0. But we were looking a little bit tired and jaded shortly before half time when Watford were coming into the game.

“Then four minutes of madness before the break has cost us dearly. You have to do the basics really. You have to stop runners, close down players, mark players, track runners and win those 50/50s and at times today we were well short of that.”

Slade continued: “I thought for 40 minutes we looked in good condition and were in decent control. If someone saw the 4-1 coming at 1-0 that would shock me.

“I didn’t see that coming but the two goals before half time hurt us. When you concede a goal then that is the time to regroup and make sure you don’t concede again. The disappointing thing is that we conceded that second goal.”

Watford boss Slavisa Jokanovic said: "I'm happy with the team performance. We had some problems in the first 20 minutes and Cardiff scored but we reacted well and scored four good team goals.

"Sometimes in the past we have tried to resolve problems with individual actions but that is never good. This time we played and fought like a team even after making six changes to keep the team fresh. That was the most pleasing thing. When you are away from home, that is all you can ask for and I am very happy.

"The last performance [against Wolves] was the worst since I arrived at the club but here we showed good skill. But it is only one game. You cannot play well in one game and then badly the next. We need more consistency."