Hughes: “I'm Really Happy Here”

Will Hughes plans to enjoy the final game of this season without the stress of a promotion battle before turning his eyes to the future, with Premier League football soon returning to Vicarage Road.

Watford bounced immediately back to the top flight with two games to spare, while this Saturday's visitors Swansea City will finish either fourth or fifth before facing Bournemouth or Barnsley in the play-off semi-finals.

All this means the stakes are relatively low during Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off in Hertfordshire, but Hughes remains determined to end this successful campaign on a high.

“We can relax, we can enjoy it,” said the midfielder, who has made 29 Championship appearances during this promotion season, scoring two goals.

“But, as professionals, we know that once we’re on that pitch we’re going to do everything we can to win that game, whether we’ve got nothing to play for or a lot to play for. That’s just how it works, and the manager reiterated that to us, that we have to do our jobs, be prepared for what comes.

“It’s been a long old slog this season, we’ve had ups and downs but thankfully we’ve come out on top. We’re glad we’ve got it done before the last game, because it could have been a nervy way to finish if we needed to get a result to get promoted.”

The Hornets are ending the season without pressure thanks to a remarkable run of form under Xisco Muñoz, who arrived as Head Coach in December. The recent win against Millwall which sealed a top-two finish was the Spaniard’s 17th in 25 league games in charge.

“It’s a simple thing to say but I think he just put a smile on people’s faces. That’s half the battle, keeping players happy,” said Hughes.

“There are only 11 places up for grabs and you’ve got a squad of 25-30, so it’s very difficult to keep everyone motivated and happy, but I think he’s done that really well.

“Everyone wants to work for him and work for each other, and you can see that not only with results but with the performances and the way we’re playing since he’s come in.

“Everyone was running through brick walls for him and in this league that’s half the battle, as well as the quality we have, and that’s always going to get results.”

The players themselves have shown true leadership too, demonstrating maturity to navigate a variety of challenges throughout the season, from lockdowns and busy schedules to heavy pitches and changes in playing and coaching staff. Hughes is one of several players to have worn the captain’s armband and believes it has been key to have leaders throughout the squad.

“When you’re on the pitch, everyone has to lead in their own way,” said the 26-year-old, who is fourth in command for the captaincy behind Troy Deeney, Tom Cleverley and Nathaniel Chalobah. “Whether that’s how they play football or in their communication, there’s various ways of leading a team and we’ve got plenty of them in the changing room.

“We can’t just rely on Troy. He’s been a mainstay for this team, this club, for so long, and he will be in the future, but we can’t just rely on him and when he’s missing everyone can’t just go into their shell. People need to emerge and be part of it and I think we’ve seen that recently since he’s been away [from the pitch].

“He’s an old head, he’s got experience, he’s been in this situation before, so he’s helped us out massively whilst he’s been injured. He doesn’t need to shout about that, but we know as players how he’s been.”

Hughes sees his future at Watford and, once this campaign is over and done with, he is keen to be part of the Hornets team establishing themselves back at the pinnacle of English football.

“I’m really happy here, I’m settled and we’re back in the Premier League so there’s nothing better. That’s how I want it to remain. It’s as simple as that,” said the 2017 arrival from Derby County.

“We could bring players in and there’s players here already who are ready to take my place, so I’ve got to knuckle down and be ready for the start of next season.

“Every team, whether that’s teams getting promoted or teams remaining in the Premier League, will need to strengthen. That’s no different to us. We know we need to bring in players to add strength to the squad and to the starting XI. It will be healthy competition.

“We’ll need to adapt in many ways, we can’t just stick to one formation, one way of playing, because when you’re playing against those sorts of teams, you’ll get found out. We do need to adapt and try new things as well.”