WATFORD boss Walter Mazzarri has defended Man City boss Pep Guardiola for failing to cover tackling in training.

After a 4-2 defeat at Leicester, Guardiola said: "I’m not coaching tackles. I’m not training for tackles … what’s tackles?"

5 In a bizarre interview at Leicester, Guardiola asked what tackling was Credit: Getty Images

City have lost their last two Premier League games and desperately need to beat Mazzarri's Watford to get back into the title race.

But ahead of their clash at the Etihad, the Hornets boss has agreed with the Spaniard that training is not the time for players to learn about tackles.

Mazzarri said: "I don't coach my players how to tackle, either.

"You don't train a player to tackle – this is something that comes naturally to players in a defensive phase.

"I've never taught players to tackle because the only thing that matters is that it's done within the rules of the game and you go for the ball."

5 Watford boss Walter Mazzarri backed Pep Guardiola, saying tackling can't be taught Credit: Reuters

5 Man City's convincing defeat at Leicester could be the last thing Watford need, says Mazzarri Credit: PA:Press Association

5 He has warned the Hornets that they will have to be on their game to avoid a result like their 6-1 hammering at Liverpool Credit: Reuters

He added that Man City's 4-2 drubbing at Leicester is probably the last thing Watford need going into the match.

Expecting a reaction from Guardiola's side, Mazzarri said: "I watched City's game against Leicester and I was surprised they were 3-0 down after 20 minutes.

"But in Italy we have a saying, each game has its own story, and that won't help us. We will find Manchester City very angry and concentrated, and we won't have the luck that they will underestimate us.

"Every team will have its ups and downs over the course of a season – whether it's from players being injured, suspended or other factors – but you can only judge them over the whole course, not just a part of it.

"City are still a great team with a great manager, and I expect them to have a very good year."

But that doesn't mean Watford can't get a result tonight, according to the former Napoli and Inter manager.

Mazzarri said: "I've told my players that if we put ourselves in front of our opponents, we can fight against any Premier League team.

"If we are 100 per cent ready, we can take on anyone in this league and battle for the points. That is something that gives us a lot of positivity.

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"Apart from the game at Liverpool, which was more about our mistakes and we looked inferior because we were not focused, we have played at the same level. We have competed well against some important teams."

Guardiola has been reluctant to change his possession-based tactical approach and Mazzarri believes that foreign managers have the best chance of succeeding in England if they stick to their principles.

He said: "I have tried to bring the same principles that I had in Italy, and I have not seen many differences tactically and technically. The only difference is the physicality of English football."

Watford had an impressive 3-2 win over Everton on Saturday in a match where midfielder Valon Behrami threw up on the pitch before recovering to produce an all-conquering second half display.