Ranieri on big week, Newcastle & 'belief' in players

Geoff Doyle, ±«Óătv Three Counties Radio

Claudio Ranieri has been speaking to the media before Watford's match against Newcastle on Saturday.

Here are the key lines:

  • Ranieri says "everybody is available and we are ready" and he confirmed Ben Foster, Christian Kabasele, Kiko Femenia and Emmanuel Dennis are back from injury.
  • He must decide whether to play all three new signings - Samir, Hassane Kamara and Edo Kayembe. "We will see. I have to speak to them. They have strong qualities".
  • He cannot believe the position Watford find themselves in: "I believe in my players, in this squad. If you watch the training sessions we are fantastic. It's unbelievable our position".
  • Ranieri said his players work so hard "and if you continue to fight, to believe in yourself, sooner or later, you will win".
  • On facing Newcastle, Ranieri said: "This is a big match for us, for them, but also in this week we play three times against teams who are in the relegation fight".
  • On new Newcastle striker Chris Wood: "He's strong, very good in the air, very good when he holds the ball".
  • He says he is "happy" with Watford's three new signings who he says have "strong qualities" but adds "never say never" when asked whether he would do any more business this January.