Watford midfielder makes honest admission following 4-0 win v Stoke City | OneFootball

Watford midfielder Imran Louza has admitted it has not been an easy time for him as he recovered from a knee injury.

Having sustained the injury last season, the Moroccan international has been forced to sit on the sidelines for the opening months of the season, however, returned as a 59th minute substitute away at Stoke City yesterday afternoon.

Louza’s introduction at 1-0 brought a big element of control to the game from a Hornets perspective, with Watford going on to beat Stoke 4-0.

Speaking after the match, Louza discussed his return.

“It hasn’t been an easy period for me on a personal level, but all the work I’ve put in to help my knee is finally paying off.” the 23-year-old explained, via Watford club media.

“I felt good on the pitch, I managed to help my teammates and hopefully I can keep that up now.

“I need to keep managing my injury wisely, but I’m looking forward to getting more minutes over the next few weeks, to keep getting better and to keep helping the team.”

The 4-0 victory over the Potters gave Slaven Bilic a win in his first match as Watford head coach after the Croatian replaced Rob Edwards in the dugout.

The three points takes the Hornets 7th in the Championship standings, one point and place off the play-off positions.

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Win Lose Draw

“It was a very important win,” Louza added.

“We know we have plenty more to do going forward, but to score four goals without conceding away from home, in the manner we did, was great.

“The most important thing today is that it was a real team effort.

“The Head Coach asked me to go on and help the team hold the ball a bit more with a slightly different style, and together we did well and got the goals we needed for the result.”

Watford next face Swansea City in Championship action on Wednesday night.

The Verdict

It was fantastic to see Imran Louza make a return for Watford this weekend.

His return has been long anticipated, and Slaven Bilic will surely be happy that it coincides with his appointment as Watford boss.

The Moroccan international came on at a time when the game was in the balance away at Stoke and really controlled things for Watford in the midfield.

It is no coincidence that the Hornets went on to win comfortably after his introduction, and they will be hoping that Louza’s return can mark a real turning point in their season.