Quique Sanchez Flores hoping to create 'something special' at Watford

Spanish boss describes Watford as 'perfect'

Quique Flores is in talks to take the Watford job (Getty Images)

New Watford boss Quique Sanchez Flores is out to create "something special" at Vicarage Road.

The Hornets, promoted back to the Premier League last season, have been installed as favourites to go straight back down again.

But former Valencia and Atletico Madrid chief Flores, appointed to replace Slavisa Jokanovic earlier this month, has made no attempt to conceal his enthusiasm for the task ahead.

"For the future of Watford it is important to stay in the Premier League," he said.

"But we want to do something special for the fans. That is to feel something special inside, to connect with the fans and feel that the day of the game is the best day in the world.

"For me it was important to choose the place where I imagined I would be happy. Watford is perfect. I watched their last games of last year and I thought 'I like it'.

"This team has soul, it has spirit, and that was enough for me to come here and get to know the Premier League."

Flores, 50, is Watford's fifth head coach in the space of a year after Jokanovic left following a breakdown of talks over a new contract.

Beppe Sannino, Billy McKinlay and Flores' fellow Spaniard Oscar Garcia - due to health problems - all departed in a chaotic start to last season.

But former Real Madrid and Spain defender Flores insisted: "Sometimes this happens. There are different situations, sometimes at a club you are not right. But I spoke to Oscar, he explained everything and he spoke really well about Watford.

"Also I have to say thanks to Jokanovic, he did amazing work last year and is the reason I am working this year in the Premier League.

"But football is football, a lot of things happen. We need to continue with the same spirit."

Flores says he has done a crash course in Watford's history, but there is one club icon who he did not need to get up to speed on.

"Sir Elton John is one of my favourite singers in the world," he revealed. "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word was the most amazing, emotional thing for me. Sir Elton was the owner of this team, he has a stand named after him.

"They had important players like John Barnes; the coach Graham Taylor. The club is 134 years old, so it's a big responsibility for me to lead the club in the Premier League."

Striker Matej Vydra has linked up with the Hornets for pre-season training even though his switch from parent club Udinese has yet to be finalised.

PA