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Quique Sanchez Flores unmoved by Diego Costa row with Carles Paredes

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Quique Sánchez Flores admits Diego Costa did nothing to Juan Carlos Paredes to merit the Ecuadorian's reaction in Watford's 0-0 draw with Chelsea

Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores says he saw nothing wrong with the scuffle between Juan Carlos Paredes and Diego Costa in Wednesday's 0-0 draw against Chelsea.

Hornets captain Troy Deeney was unhappy with his team-mate Paredes becoming involved with Costa and the forward has vowed to 'have a word' with the defender.

"I heard the comments from Troy and I understand them," Flores said in his press briefing ahead of his side's trip to Tottenham this weekend.

"He said he doesn't like this kind of situation, but Deeney knows how the Premier League works and he wanted to say it is better if we don't repeat this situation on the pitch.

"In these kind of situations in the Premier League we respect the contact, it's very normal. Normally every time there is contact between players, so when Diego Costa is in the middle it is normal that there is more contact than ever.

Juan Carlos Paredes of Watford lies on the pitch
Image: Paredes lies on the pitch fpollowing 'coming together' with Costa

"Paredes received the contact form Diego Costa and nothing happened, I am standing two metres from the action and I know nothing happened."

Turning his attentions to this weekend's game, Flores added extra spice to the occasion by declaring he would not swap Odion Ighalo or Deeney for Spurs striker Harry Kane.

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 Harry Kane celebrates scoring Tottenham's second goal
Image: Kane celebrates scoring Spurs' second goal against Norwich

The England international scored twice against Norwich in midweek to take his tally to 14 from his last 15 league appearances but when asked if he would prefer Kane in his side Flores said: "No, no. I don't change my players for anyone.

"On Saturday we have the opportunity to look at three of the best strikers in the league. Kane is a very good player and he is very important for them." 

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