Watford will not fall into the same mistakes which have undermined them during the hectic Christmas schedule in previous Premier League seasons, says Javi Gracia.

Marco Silva saw a good start to his Watford tenure turn sour over December before he was sacked by Watford in January, and previous boss Walter Mazzarri experienced a similar slump.

The Hornets are in the midst of a six game winless run, but Gracia insists they are in a better place than they were under either of his predecessors.

“Every season is different and in this case I prefer to speak about this season,” Gracia said.

“I remember last season when I arrived it was a different circumstance and now we are doing many things better.

“The players are full of confidence and ambition. I know we have to win again but I see we are really close to getting it.

“I prefer to keep my confidence and keep working the way we have. This is the right way to do things.”

December is traditionally a key month in shaping a Premier League season as the fixture schedule gets highly congested.

Rather than look at this spell in a negative light, Gracia is eager to make the most of the festive period.

“I am always positive and always see the chance to get points as a good thing,” Gracia said of upcoming games.

“I do look back and try and improve the things we can improve, but I prefer to look to the future and the next game.”