Slavisa Jokanovic joked he would have returned his coaching licence if he wasn’t aware of the tactical changes Watford needed to make at half time against Blackpool.

At the interval, the Hornets were two goals behind against the Tangerines and had struggled throughout the opening period.

Jokanovic introduced Ben Watson after the break and changed the formation from 3-4-1-2 to 4-1-3-2. It was the correct decision.

The Golden Boys scored seven second half goals and tore through Blackpool time after time. The 7-2 scoreline didn’t flatter the hosts after 90 minutes.

Odion Ighalo netted four times and there were singles from Troy Deeney, Gabriele Angella and Matej Vydra.

Jokanovic said his side were lacking in confidence in the opening period but was delighted with their response after half time.

He said: “We had some tactical problems in the first half. If I couldn’t see that situation then I should return my coaching license.

“We tried with Vydra closer to the midfield but we needed to change that. We waited to fix this problem and they scored the second goal.

He continued: “I was calm at half time. That is not the moment to be nervous or angry. It is the moment to try and fix the problems.

“We were in trouble and we didn’t expect that first 45 minutes. We didn’t have confidence on the ball and they won a lot of the second balls.

“We changed those problems in the second half. We showed a completely different face.

“At half time we decided to play with one more midfielder and one fewer defender. I didn’t say too much, just that we had to start playing football and working altogether.

“We changed the situation, we scored many goals and that first goal was the most important.

“After that we started playing football. We didn’t do what we did in the first half, two passes and then a long ball.

“In the end we scored many goals and won the game.”

Jokanovic explained the decision to start Vydra behind the two strikers was down to his lack of midfield options.

The Hornets boss added: “Ben Watson only arrived yesterday and Munari only trained one day with us, so that left us with George Byers.

“So I chose to go with Vydra but at half time we decided to put on another midfielder and move him to more of a striker.

“We took that risk. I only worked with Watson yesterday but he did a good job for us in the second 45 minutes.”