Watford boss Quique Flores admits Chelsea will be a tougher test under Guus Hiddink

QUIQUE FLORES insists Watford have a much tougher test playing Guus Hiddink’s Chelsea.

 

Quique Flores admits Guus Hiddink's Chelsea will be a tough test of his Watford side

 

The Spaniard takes his Hornets side to Stamford Bridge to take on his old mentor from his time as a player under the Dutchman at Valencia.

And he fears the new manager effect may work against his side.

He said: “Of course it is tougher given a team have changed the manager. The team know they need to show for the new manager. But we are ready for the experience.

 

“They play well and have lots of experience and quality. We are expecting for a very tough match.

“I didn’t play with Guus but I had him for three years as a coach. I have a very good relationship with him, he is a very nice man.

“He’s always thinking about the ball, he’s worried about the players feeling free. It was 21 years ago but things change.

“When one team happen on the pitch you analyse three games before. Chelsea are different to what they were under Jose Mourinho, it is completely different.”

 

Watford travel to the champions seventh in the Premier League having won their last four matches.

Flores said: “We know we have a good run but the feeling I have in the dressing room is it’s no surprise. We have a strong mentality so it is very good for Watford.”

It is the defence that has also impressed the Flores having worked their way to eight clean sheets this term. 

He added: “I’m completely pleased with the defensive line. In the start of the season we had problems scoring but the defensive line was working.”