Francisco Sierralta says that Xisco Munoz gave him “confidence” since the head coach joined Watford FC.

The Chilean has opened up about his experience in the club since being signed to the Hornets in September last year.

In January Sierralta already stated he felt he adapted well to life as a Watford defender, but the physicality of the Championship took him by surprise at first.

For much of the season Sierralta wasn’t seen until the game against Huddersfield on January 16 when he was summoned from the bench, but when Munoz took charge Sierralta’s game time immediately increased.

He has now started 17 Championship games and since the team have a nearly 71 per cent win ratio compared to the 48 per cent without him.

“I have a very good relationship with him ever since he joined the club,” said Sierralta. “He gave me the confidence and it's up to me to pay him back with my performances.”

Talking on Hive Live Extra, he said: "It's going well. It wasn't easy at the beginning as I didn't play and it wasn't such a good moment. But I carried on working a lot with the right mentality, working every day and it's paying off.”

He continued: “When someone makes a mistake, we are happy to help each other and be available for each other.

“The language helps. I speak Spanish with Kiko and then Italian with William (Troost-Ekong) and Masina. It's an important part of our relationship at the back. Everyone goes out to win the game. If we keep a clean sheet then that's better, but if we win, no-one makes a fuss if we concede a goal. It's a very good moment for the team, but we have to carry on.”