Watford boss Javi Gracia knows beating Crystal Palace to reach the FA Cup semi-finals will be about more than just keeping Wilfried Zaha quiet.
The Hornets host Palace on Saturday looking to continue what has been a largely positive campaign under the Spaniard with a trip to Wembley.
After the match, Watford captain Troy Deeney said the players “take it in turns” to rough up Zaha, who was on the end of a raking challenge from behind by Etienne Capoue which on another day could have been punished with a red card rather than a caution.
“I don’t use that tactic. I don’t use it,” the Watford boss said when asked about Deeney’s comments.
“When we prepare the games, we are always thinking about playing well and trying to beat the other team, not thinking only about one player.
“I think it is something collective. We have to be ready to compete this way, not only thinking about Zaha or other players.”
“It’s something different, something special. We are so close to play in a semi-final. We feel it and know it’s important,” Gracia said at a press conference reported by the club.
“It is a very good chance for us but also Palace as well. We have to play well, and when the game is finished we’ll see if we are able to achieve the semi-final at Wembley or not.
“It is the last chance to carry on in this competition. We are going to play like we usually do.”
“Playing against Palace is always very demanding,” said Gracia, whose side lost 3-1 at Manchester City last time out.
“They have a very good squad and a very good coach.
“All the games have been very, very close. We have to be ready knowing it will be a very close game again.”
