Although they are 13th in the league, seven points above the relegation zone and have eight teams between them and the bottom three, Watford’s current form is bad enough to  make the threat of relegation loom larger than it actually is at the moment.

However, Valerien Ismael said the way to put those fears out of mind is to win games rather than looking at the league table and what other teams are doing.

The 2-1 defeat to Coventry at Vicarage Road means the Hornets have lost four of their last five home games, and haven’t won a league match in front of their own fans in nine attempts since the 3-2 win over Norwich on November 28.

They have taken only four points from the last 24 on offer, and have won a mere two of their last 14 Championship games.

Take all that into consideration plus the fact that all eight of Watford’s games after the international break are against teams above them in the table – including the sides currently sitting second, third, fourth and fifth – and that safety cushion suddenly feels a lot less plump.

“I think we need to win games, that is the main thing at the minute,” said Ismael.

“Today doesn’t change the situation because you have to prepare for the next game and try to win the next game.

“We are not winning and so what we have to do is focus on ourselves and prepare the boys.

“We have to prepare for the next battle in order to get the points we need to bring the relief we need.”

When asked about Dan Bachmann conceding the penalty that brought Coventry level, the Watford boss said the defence should never have let things get that far.

“Just before the penalty I thought we cleared the ball too short,” he said.

“We always say when we are in that sort of situation, when you are unsure, just put the ball in the channel behind the line and we will have the time to step up.

“But the clearance was too short, the second wave happened and we are in another situation.

“I think we could have cleared the ball further and then that won’t happen.”

The head coach said that he has always had a weekly meeting with the board since he joined the club in May.

Given the run of results, another home defeat and the brutal looking set of fixtures still to come, does he feel this week’s meeting may be different to the others?

“We will see,” he said. “What can I tell you?”