Xisco Munoz has praised his Watford players for "giving everything" during a run of seven fixtures played in the space of just three weeks and wants to see them take that form into the last 11 games.

From those seven matches, the Hornets collected 18 points from a possible 21 and boosted their chances of pushing for an automatic promotion place.

After their last win against Nottingham Forest last weekend, fatigued players were given a chance to rest with a rare week without a midweek match, and Munoz feels it has given them enough of a chance to recover their energy so they can keep up their challenge.

"They played a lot of games in a short time, and they gave their maximum," said the head coach. "They gave it all for the team. They played with passion, they played with ambition, they gave everything to win all the games. This is brilliant for us.

"I think when they finish the game and you see the team have given all the power on the pitch, it's amazing. Not only for the coach, but also for the fans.

"No one gives away points for free. They worked very hard. And they fought all the situations in the games. It's normal that they feel tired when they play a lot of games in a short time. But now, this week for us was a very good week. We had a little more time for them to work and also we have more time for recovery. I think it's good. It's not an excuse, they are fit, they are ready. We have full power. We have full ambition."

A glance at the Championship table suggests Watford are one of three sides battling it out for a second automatic promotion place, with Norwich City flying high in first.

Despite things being so tight in the table, Munoz believes his players are focused on the task at hand and are not going to get distracted by the league and the fortunes of their promotion rivals.

"We are ready," he insisted. "We are building a different situation and we are building our process.

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"When I speak with them every day, I see their faces and I think the team is ready. I think the team has the ambition. Every day they want to give better for our team and after we will see what is the result. But I think our fans are every day happy with the team because right now, our team gives everything. It's amazing."

Helping the Hornets in their pursuit of a top flight return is new signing Carlos Sanchez, who arrived in time to make his debut last weekend.

Munoz said his signing was the result of excellent work and praised the club for taking the opportunity to bring him in.

"I think for the club, it was excellent work," he said. "When we signed Carlos, I think the club, did a very good job. I know it's a different situation but I think we have now one Gladiator more. It's perfect for the Championship because in the final we have a lot of games, and a lot of important games.

"When you have an opportunity to get another player, it's excellent. Carlos is very good for us."