EXCLUSIVE
Costel Pantilimon believes Quique Sanchez Flores should be a contender for manager of the season if he leads Watford to FA Cup glory.
Watford take on Crystal Palace in the semi-final at Wembley on Sunday having never won any major silverware.
Sanchez Flores (below), in his first season at the club, has comfortably avoided a relegation battle, as well as inspiring their Cup run. There has been speculation his job could be in jeopardy after a slight dip in form in the top flight, but Pantilimon feels he should be classed in the same category as this season’s star bosses Claudio Ranieri, Mauricio Pochettino and Eddie Howe.
The Watford keeper told Standard Sport: “I don’t see why he shouldn’t be mentioned among the other names.
“He has done a great job with this team. For a first year in the Premier League, we have been getting great results and have been in a good position.
“It’s also a very good achievement to get into the semi-final. It’s a good moment for everyone.”
Pantilimon has played under respected coaches like Roberto Mancini, Manuel Pellegrini and Sam Allardyce in England but says Sanchez Flores stands out.
The 29-year-old Romanian, who signed from Sunderland for £500,000 in January, added: “I joined halfway through the season, but I have seen the philosophy he tries to put in this team. I like it. It’s a bit different from all the managers I have had. I like the way he thinks about the game and prepares.
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“He has a relaxed style and that’s what I like. He is not someone who shouts and raves. He is a nice guy. He respects us and we respect him. We want to give 100 per cent for him.”
Pantilimon hopes he can create some happier memories in the FA Cup, after the disappointment of missing out on playing in the 2013 Final for Manchester City.
Mancini had fulfilled his promise to play him in every round, only to have a change of heart just hours before the Final. City then to Wigan with first-choice Joe Hart unable to prevent Ben Watson’s decisive late header.
History could repeat itself this weekend with Watford No1 Heurelho Gomes in inspired form. Pantilimon, who has played in the last three rounds, admits he’s had no reassurances that he will play on Sunday.
He said: “I hope I do, but I don’t know. We are both good keepers. Heurelho has done a good job up until now. I think I have done a good job in the FA Cup games I have played.
“People always talk to me about what happened in the 2013 final. I want to create a happier memory.
“I am always motivated, first of all because I don’t have this trophy in my house. I won almost everything — the Premier League, League Cup and Community Shield — but I really miss this trophy.
“It would be the perfect summer for me if I were to win the FA Cup and then represent Romania at Euro 2016.
“I have respect for Crystal Palace but not fear. Fear should not be in football in my opinion. It’s a pleasure to play this game.”
