Watford midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure has praised the impact of manager Nigel Pearson.

The Hornets have given themselves a fighting chance of survival since Pearson replaced Quique Sanchez Flores.

Doucoure said: "Nigel is someone who is very direct and very honest.

"He has arrived with very basic, simple things – he has brought back the realities of football.

"Sometimes he is not very pleasant with the players but that does everyone good.

"He has woken up the whole group. We cannot stay in this position.

"We cannot continue to lose matches so easily. Nigel has helped the mentality of the players.

"My role has changed. I have already played in this position for Rennes.

"It is not a new position for me. I cover a lot of kilometres.

"With the English style, you attack, you defend. I try to improve every day."