Watford boss Walter Mazzarri says he's held clear the air talks with Troy Deeney.

The pair clashed after Deeney was dropped for the 4-0 defeat at Tottenham last Saturday.

"There was no problem at all," said Mazzarri. “I spoke to him and everything is perfect and was never really a problem.

“As a manager I have a clear relationship with all my players.

“It's based on mutual respect and the best for the team. He is loved by the fans. But no player or individual will be above me.

"He is the captain and after the manager he must provide an example to everyone. In a ship the captain is last to leave – and it must be same as the captain on the pitch.

“They need to understand the manager takes the decisions and players have to do their best on the pitch.

“There were times when I've done the same with other players, including Edinson Cavani (at Napoli)."