As is often the case at away games, local media from the north-west quizzed Watford head coach Slaven Bilic after the win over Wigan on topics he has spoken about many times before.

One such question was how he thinks things have gone for him since he arrived at Watford, given they are a club renowned for changing managers.

“I don’t really get time to think about how things have gone since I arrived because we play game after game after game,” admitted Bilic.

“But I did my homework before I came here. I didn’t come here because I was bored and desperate for a job, I came here because I see a good squad and a club who has a clear idea of what they want to do. Yes, they change managers – but who isn’t these days?

“I’ve said it a few times, but since we’ve been here we’ve been provided with everything we need.”

Bilic did highlight ongoing injuries as being a challenge, and how he’s counting down the days until the World Cup break which presents a chance to get injured players back, improve fitness and get more time on the training ground with the squad.

“The only problem, and it’s a still a problem, is that we have many players out injured,” he said.

“Our plan still is to get to the World Cup break without too many scars, while closing the gap above us.

“After the World Cup break, all the players – Ngakia, Manaj, Hause – should be back for the second part of the season. When they are, then we are going to have a really top squad.

“And that is the reason why I took the job.”

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