Quique Sanchez Flores admits he and Watford were caught out the last time they faced Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham Hotspur side but the Spaniard insists it won’t happen again.

When Spurs visited Vicarage Road in December they changed system, switching from 4-2-3-1 to 3-4-2-1.

It was designed to curb the threat of Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney. It worked well, particularly in the first half, despite the Nigerian scoring on the stroke of half time.

“Tottenham showed respect to Watford by trying something different,” Flores explains.

“After the match one of my staff spoke to one of the Tottenham staff and he said: ‘We had to do something different otherwise it would’ve been very hard to play against Watford’.”

Flores continues: “Normally we play against four defenders but when teams changed to three central defenders that was a message for us that we needed to change something too.

“Against Newcastle we played a different shape, 4-3-2-1. When teams play with three defenders it is hard for the strikers. There is no space.

“So we have learnt and that was necessary. We’ve done our analysis and if Tottenham change system then we are ready.”

Watford’s switch to 4-3-2-1 from 4-4-2 has seen Valon Behrami reassert himself in the Hornets starting XI.

The Swiss international was one of Flores’ first-choice midfielders at the start of the campaign but a dismissal against Swansea City was followed by several niggling injuries.

The form of Ben Watson was also a contributing factor as to why Behrami struggled to get back into the Hornets side.

However, the 30-year-old has now started Watford’s last three Premier League matches and Flores is happy with his contribution.

“Behrami made a big effort to recover from the problems he had in the past months,” the Watford boss explains.

“He is pure energy. An engine in midfield. He transmits a lot of emotion in every action. He is very important for us like the rest of our players.”

Flores added: “Rotation has been necessary as it is impossible to keep the same level in the Premier League with the same eleven players.

“We know we played tough matches in December and January. So we have had to change players. Now they must wait for their opportunity.”

Tottenham go into tomorrow’s game sitting third in the Premier League table.

This week former Spurs defender Sol Campbell spoke to the media and said there is little chance of the club winning the Premier League title despite them sitting five points off top.

Flores disagrees with that assessment, however.

He said: “Why not? The Premier League is so open. Teams like Chelsea and Manchester United can’t win the Premier League so there are new teams coming for their positions. 

“Tottenham and Leicester have a chance if they keep their level. Tottenham have a young team and they don’t feel pressure. So why not?”