Ollie Watkins admits his recent goal drought had affected him, describing it as a “tricky period” in his career.
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has opened up about the heavy toll his recent goal drought took, describing it as a “tricky period” in his professional career, according to a report from Birmingham Live.
The forward’s struggles culminated after he was left out of the England squad for last month’s internationals and had scored just once in 19 appearances prior to Villa’s dramatic 4-3 victory over Brighton.
Watkins finally ended his difficult run, bagging a crucial brace before half-time in the comeback win at the Amex.
Manager Unai Emery had previously revealed that the striker was managing knee pain during the barren spell.
Speaking after the match, Watkins expressed immense relief at finding the net again. On his goalscoring feeling, he stated:
“It’s the best feeling to score a goal and that’s my job. It’s been a while without that feeling.”
He continued to reflect on his recent form:
“It’s been a tricky period in my career. I’ve not had this since the manager came in but I kept working hard and you get your rewards. Just a bit of relief, really. I had a difficult run and it’s nice to put that behind me. We started the game slowly but to react like that is nice.”
The striker detailed the mental difficulty of the spell to Sky Sports, acknowledging:
“I think since the managers come in, I’ve scored a lot of goals, and got assists. I always find myself playing regularly in the team. So to go a prolonged period without scoring and doing that, it does affect you.
It has been hard, but you have to just keep picking yourself up, turning up every day, and working hard. You get your rewards in the end and now I can put that behind me and keep looking forward.”
Watkins also praised Emery’s influence, noting the manager’s sideline passion: “His voice was basically gone. He’s so passionate and that’s why we’re doing so well. I can’t speak highly enough of him.”
Despite his personal drought, Watkins maintained a positive outlook, adding: “We’re in an amazing place.
Even though I wasn’t scoring, I looked at the bigger picture where we’re further in the league. Winning every week, what isn’t there to love, really? So if I can add goals, it gets even better.”