Watford boss Javi Gracia told BBC Three Counties Radio:
“We know the quality of their team and the individuals well. We were aware about the way to prepare knowing we needed to defend well but also show our quality – and we did.
“We conceded an early goal; they scored with their first opportunity but we kept believing in our plan and in the end we got what we wanted. I am really happy for the players and the supporters.
“It is always difficult to play away but all the members of the team are improving. We are growing as a team.
“Many people speak about solidarity and helping each other and we have to show that on the pitch.
“Today we showed a good face and the spirit we need. It means we could show our quality.”
🦊 #LCFC | Marti Cifuentes has told BBC Sport Leicester that his Leicester City players must be held to account after defeat at home to Watford.
📊 City sit 13th in the Championship after back-to-back defeats.
🔗 https://t.co/bh1hwFpnkl pic.twitter.com/0nbQEaKo4U
— BBC Sport Leicester (@BBCRLSport) December 26, 2025
Gracia, per Sky Sports:
“The way we are improving and the feeling that the team is growing is better than a couple of good results and the results are the consequence of the work.
“After the opponent scored (from) the first chance, we managed the situation to keep believing in our plan and at the end of the game we got what we wanted with three points.
“It took us a long time to get our first away win. Now we have a second, it’s something amazing for us. We know all the work we are doing to be able to compete this way.
“It’s a Christmas gift for the supporters. We have to show important values on the pitch – solidarity, be supportive and helping each other during the game, that’s the spirit we need.
“I trust all of my players. I would like to give more minutes to all of the players. It’s impossible to compete with the same players in all of the games.”
Here’s how fans reacted with Marti Cifuentes and his Leicester side booed off after Watford come from behind to win 2-1…
@Birdiex94x: One of the worst performances I’ve ever seen. Pack up the season now. Get rid of half the squad, fresh manager willing to make brave changes. Massive change needed.
@WattyWatto: I disagree that it’s all the players. Although they’re weak, they’re not organised. Opposition easily find weaknesses in our team through their analysis. Having a manager with some idea of player instruction would improve this team no end #lcfc
@_joshhollandd: Every time this team go behind, they collapse. Only two times this season have they come from behind to win (Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich). Soft underbelly remaining from the 22/23 season. Too inconsistent and too many players dropping stinkers. Derby next will be hard. #LCFC
@Ben_Batess: No disrespect to Watford but watching that just shows the type of player we need to be signing! Louza absolutely ran that game, he’s far too good for this league but still had the hunger to challenge everything and fight for his team! We are carrying too much deadwood! #LCFC
@cultureforce1: What’s happened to you lot? Looked like half your 11 didn’t want to be there
@Ultra_Fox: 1-2 ft. Another appalling performance by #LCFC against a team with the league’s joint worst away record. Once Watford beat a pitiful offside trap to take the lead, the destiny of the points was never under any threat at all. No leadership or commitment in this team. #RudkinOut
@Linseyhart10: Absolutely rubbish! Losing at home after the shit show at QPR! We just need to make sure we don’t get relegated. #lcfc
@Smithtasticness: Marti has to go at this point I’m afraid. Just not good enough. Need someone who will get more from the players and whose tactics are better.
@ANT_LCFC: Always a chore never a pleasure, cheers Marti #LCFC
@AshleyRTipton: Just not good enough. No lessons are being learnt, no energy, lazy running and not a care at all. Not one of those starting 11 should be near the team at the moment. Start the entire U23s, they couldn’t do any worse and seem to know how to play. #LCFC
@david8to: Shite. Devoid of tactics. Dont seem to have a sense of what style were attempting to be at all. Mistakes all over the pitch. A manager that doesn’t appear to command respect of the players. They didnt even look at him when he was shouting instructions 2nd half.
@Bedfordfoxajb: Bored. Rinse and repeat. Waiting for the same old drivel, got to try harder blah blah blah. We’ve had some amateurs manage us in recent times but this guy takes the prize hands down. Club is an utter shambolic mess
@jhandford11: I mean, I know Rudkin isn’t THE problem, but if he went, it would be like a weight lifted and the start required to begin the reset. The aura around the club stinks. Another abysmal performance. There is zero urgency from anyone. It’s absolutely shocking to watch #LCFC 🦊
@_ellalcfcv2: Sack the board, sack the manager, sell the club, pay the staff, sack the players, get the fuck out.
At least we’re now much closer to our ever-present owner, we’re all aligned behind a clearly communicated long-term vision, and we’re being led by an exceptional leadership team.#LCFC pic.twitter.com/ik1pyFuWqt
— Project Reset (@ProjResetLCFC) December 26, 2025
Phil says “that’s it… sadly I can’t see Marti working out for us, that was a useless managerial performance today”#lcfc #leicester #leicestercity pic.twitter.com/XCHtyjZRDG
— Leicester Fan Tv (@LeicesterFanTV) December 26, 2025
Marti has to go now…
So says Taylor.
Do you agree?#lcfc #leicester #leicestercity pic.twitter.com/rk9tQVyJf2— Leicester Fan Tv (@LeicesterFanTV) December 26, 2025
match interview LEICESTER city 1-2 Watford post match #lcfc #leicestercity #epl #eflchampionship #watford #COYF #COYB pic.twitter.com/Lv62iHUxMM
— @MAYANTHESILVERFOX 🦊💙 (@mayansilverfox) December 26, 2025
Can’t hold it in any longer tbh…@LCFC hope the players see this!#lcfc https://t.co/q6gl8emHK5 pic.twitter.com/YqEvALXLco
— JackOsborneFootball (@JackOsbFootball) December 26, 2025
“Mistakes all over the pitch… “ do you agree with @thefoxesarms and his views following a poor performance and a 1-2 home defeat for Leicester?#lcfc #leicester #leicestercity pic.twitter.com/aNqsBB2N8D
— Leicester Fan Tv (@LeicesterFanTV) December 26, 2025
Mr “Hands On” nowhere to be seen again.
Anyone filed a missing persons report yet? Last seen in Thailand shagging horses #lcfc pic.twitter.com/fEknF4xT8O
— Ben Adams (@benadams79) December 26, 2025
