Sanchez Flores may find himself under scrutiny despite having only returned to Vicarage Road at the start of September, but remains determined to focus on the bigger picture.

"Every single weekend, there are a lot of managers under pressure, it is normal," the Watford boss said.

"It is the nature of our profession and we accept that when anything happens, it is our responsibility.

"When we accept the challenge to lead teams, we accept the pressure and the responsibility that comes with the job. This is the situation."

Sanchez Flores added at a press conference broadcast by Sky Sports: "I think we are making a big mistake talking about me and about my job, my position.

"Finally, the situation is not about my position, a coach.

"You are talking about the happiness of a lot of people. This is the most important thing.

"The happiness of the fans, the future of the club, the future of the squad, (we should be) talking about that."

Sanchez Flores – who has enjoyed just one Premier League win since his return, against fellow strugglers Norwich – maintains there is regular dialogue with the club hierarchy.

He said: "All of us are trying to find good solutions for the squad and the team, but in this kind of situation all of us look worse.

"The players, the coach, the club, the owners, everyone. Even the fans feel worse, of course."

Watford head to Southampton on Saturday to face a side just a point and a place above them, before a trip to high-flying Leicester.

"We can do much more – when I accepted to come here, I knew we were going to suffer, but it was part of the plan: we needed to suffer first if you want to reach a different level," Sanchez Flores said.

"Convincing people when they are down is difficult.

"For me the most important thing is to convince the players because they are the instrument I can get to the fans to change the situation. I can't do anything more."

Defender Craig Dawson is the latest player in Watford's packed treatment room, having needed stitches in a head wound which forced him off at half-time against Burnley.

Christian Kabasele (hamstring) and Daryl Janmaat (knee) are also not available.

Roberto Pereyra is stepping up his recovery from a thigh strain but will not be rushed back.

"We need to feel like the players are at 100 per cent to play," Sanchez Flores said.

"So if I don't feel like he is 100 per cent to play in the first XI, then he will not play in the first XI."