Javi Gracia sees positives as Watford lose FA Cup final to Manchester City
Goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes says Watford will keep "growing as a club"
Saturday 18 May 2019 21:12, UK
Javi Gracia thinks Watford's FA Cup final thrashing against Manchester City could prove to be "good experience" for the future.
The Hornets were outclassed at Wembley as City ran away with the game - scoring four times in the final 30 minutes - to secure a domestic treble.
However, they did have some positive spells, particularly in the first half when they had a superb chance to open the scoring through Roberto Pereyra.
"We did really well in the first part," said Hornets head coach Gracia. "We played against them twice [this season] and in both games we have competed well. It was really tough but we tried.
"It was a good experience and I know in this moment it is hard for us to look at the future. But we are not satisfied with the defeat and it will be good for us in the future."
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Gracia also acknowledged Pereyra's missed chance, when he was denied by Ederson, proved to be crucial.
"Today we have lost, and City were better than us, but there was a moment in the game, different moments. We started well, we created the best chance with Roberto Pereyra after 10 minutes. You need to score that chance if you want to have some chance to win the game.
"After that, it is very difficult for us. I am happy with the first part of the game but after, City showed their quality in the spaces. They have very good players and I congratulate them."
Goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes, who has said he may retire after this season, backed Watford to keep "growing as a club".
"We will go again," he said. "Maybe it will be even harder to get to the final next time but it is possible. We just need to keep going as a club, to keep growing as a club.
"It shows where this club is going. A few years ago, we were in the Championship and nobody expected us to come here. We are still growing. Of course, the result is hard to take but we faced one of the best sides in the world.
"It has been an amazing journey. No one will forget the comeback against Wolves [in the semi-finals]."
