Flores confirms Watford break clause, has no long-term plans

Matt Stead

Quique Sanchez Flores admits he is not planning for the future at Watford and has confirmed there is a break clause in his contract.

Flores’ position at Vicarage Road has become increasingly uncertain following a disappointing second half to the campaign, in which the Hornets have won only twice in 11 league matches.

Watford moved to deny reports on Wednesday that a decision has already been taken to make a change at the end of the season but in a press conference on Thursday, Flores said little to dampen speculation.

“I never plan long for anything as I know how life moves and because life is full of surprises,” Flores said.

“I need to transmit my happiness for the fans, my family, and security for my players. I cannot lose time thinking about the future in football.”

Flores was appointed in June last year following Watford’s promotion from the Championship and has led the club to the brink of safety, his side sitting 10 points clear of the relegation zone with four games left to play.

The Spaniard signed a two-year contract when he joined last summer but there is a break clause, meaning either he or the club can opt for a change in the summer.

“It’s a clause at the end of the season that means we need to talk again. So at the end of the season we will talk again,” Flores said.

“It’s an option and when you put this kind of clause in the contract, it’s for both parties. So you need to be clear and to see the things in the same angle.”

Watford owner Gino Pozzo has a history of short-term appointments.

Flores was the club’s fifth head coach in less than two years and he replaced Slavisa Jokanovic, who had just secured promotion to the top flight.

“Of course I saw that,” Flores said regarding the high turnover of coaches.

“When I sign with a club I check everything, every condition around me and my staff to be happy.

“Probably this is a point we had doubts. But in my career I had one point where I was sacked from one team, at Valencia, so I didn’t have reason to have doubts about me.

“I felt really safe thinking about coming here. I felt we were able to do the objectives. My work this season is not done as we have four matches more.”