Paulo Pezzolano on Millwall test and set-piece defending.

As he seeks his first away win as head coach, Paulo Pezzolano is drawing inspiration from Watford’s performance at Swansea last month.

The Hornets dominated for an hour in South Wales, and Pezzolano wants them to replicate that intensity and physicality against Millwall on Monday night.

He stated, “Swansea would be the reference, the benchmark, particularly for our away games.” “That day we were very physical, we were very intense and that is the goal, while also improving on that performance offensively.”

Pezzolano has done his research on Monday’s opponents and is preparing his team for a rough encounter, but he also believes that more intricate possession can help counteract physicality.

He stated, “They will connect passes when you allow them to; they have big strikers and always finish on the sides of crosses into the box.”

“They win second balls and have many intriguing characteristics. Millwall’s players work hard every day to prepare because they are a representation of the Championship.

Millwall boss Alex Neil(Image: PA)

“But, at the same time, we have weapons to injure them in the game. “When you have an opposing side that is very strong physically and in duels, one way to counter that is to play with more varied things on the ball. “If you only compete at that, it may not be enough.

We must be prepared to play differently than they do.” Set-piece defending has been a thorn in the Hornets’ side this season, with two of the six league goals surrendered coming from corners, as well as various other dead-ball situations. Pezzolano explained more about how set-piece coaching works at London Colney.