If you’re going to make mistakes then make them during pre-season. That was the attitude of Watford head coach Quique Sanchez Flores after the Hornets succumbed to a 2-1 friendly defeat against Cardiff City this evening.

A brace from Joe Mason cancelled out Troy Deeney’s first half strike in Wales. It was the first loss of the Hornets’ pre-season campaign and the first time they have tasted defeat since March.

Flores, however, wasn’t concerned with the final scoreline and stresses his team are on track in their preparations for the opening Premier League game at Everton in ten days.

But the Spaniard did accept the errors that were made against the Bluebirds would have to be corrected.

He said: “It is the second time we have conceded two goals [in pre-season] but the two goals we conceded were very strange goals.

“The first goal, there shouldn’t be enough [room] for him to score and the second goal was because of big mistakes.

“We want to play from the goalkeeper but to play the ball into the middle of the pitcis not a good idea all the time.

“Sometimes I prefer to make mistakes now in pre-season. It is the best scenario to make these mistakes. I like to correct mistakes and it is easier to do that now.”

The Hornets head coach added: “In general I am very happy with the team. You can see the shape of our defensive structure in the defensive fazes.

“In offence we are ready to play but perhaps we have to change velocity in the last third. We need more pace, more final passes and more crosses.”