Watford boss Quique Sanchez Flores thinks Stoke are a good example for his side

Quique Sanchez Flores thinks Watford should use Saturday's opponents Stoke as an example as they look to establish themselves in the Premier League.

Under former boss Tony Pulis and current manager Mark Hughes, the Potters have successfully stayed in the division for nearly a decade since being promoted and Flores is keen to emulate that success.

The two sides meet at Vicarage Road on Saturday with Watford enjoying a fine first season back in the top flight, sitting three points shy of the 40-point mark with nine games remaining.  

Flores said: "Now into their eighth season as a Premier League outfit, Stoke City are the perfect example for any club looking to succeed in establishing themselves in the top flight.

"Stoke City are a good example, like other teams are, how it is possible to establish yourselves in the Premier League, how it is possible to grow and to think well.

Stoke missing key men

Stoke could go to Watford on Saturday without three of their key first-team players

"Now we have the opportunity to grow because this is a really ambitious club. We are happy to be here, we are happy with the idea to be even more competitive in the future."

Watford beat Arsenal 2-1 at the Emirates last weekend to make it into the FA Cup semi-finals, and he believes the fans are an important part of their success.

"We need their support every time," Flores said. "We need to create this kind of magic atmosphere to decide our objective in the next match.

"I don't have words to explain how pleased we are with the fans. I realise that everyone is happy and they are happy because we are living something special together.

"That is why I am a coach. I like to go to clubs where I can make the fans and the players happy. The feeling I have here, I can't compare it to anything.

"In Watford's history they have had a lot of good seasons for many different reasons. But this season is one of the most important in the club's history."

Meanwhile, Flores has put aside all talk of a contract extension. He signed a two-year deal last June and has guided his side to the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley.

Flores: "I don't like to talk about contracts when we are in the most important part of the season.

"So it isn't the time to talk about the contract. We will do that at the end of May with the owner. I am pleased with the fans of Watford and I know how they support the team and support me."