Walter Mazzarri gave his first Press conference as Watford Coach and promised focus, but denied reports his smoking upset players.
The former Inter and Napoli tactician held his first Press conference this evening and, despite spending months on English lessons, continues to speak only through an interpreter.
“I want to salute everyone. I am happy, fired up and hungry for this first game. I’m very happy with the way the lads have tried to follow my indications during the last month of training,” said Mazzarri.
Walter Mazzarri gave his first Press conference as Watford Coach and promised focus, but denied reports his smoking upset players.
The former Inter and Napoli tactician held his first Press conference this evening and, despite spending months on English lessons, continues to speak only through an interpreter.
“I want to salute everyone. I am happy, fired up and hungry for this first game. I’m very happy with the way the lads have tried to follow my indications during the last month of training,” said Mazzarri.
Claudio Ranieri won the Premier League title last season at Leicester City and is one of several Italians in the division along with Chelsea’s Antonio Conte and Francesco Guidolin at Swansea City.
“I saw Ranieri yesterday at the FA meeting. I have a good rapport with him, there are other very good Italian Coaches in England too and that is pleasing, but even more than that I am fired up by the idea that the Premier League has some of the best Coaches in the world.
“I know that Watford have a very tough start to the season, but I am curious to see how my lads do against these very big clubs. As a person, I always think positive, I believe in work and what we’ve done in tactical terms. I believe we have the desire to always do more than the opposition, so I think positive, but in the end we’ll accept what happens on the field.
“I am happy with the way the players worked in training. Whenever I went to a new club to work with players who were accustomed to other Coaches, it has taken a while to get the hang of my movements and systems, so I always take that into account.”
Watford have gone through numerous managers under the Pozzo family, who also own Serie A side Udinese.
“Pressure usually galvanizes me and those who know me realise I give my best under pressure. I realise Watford did well last season, but I never look at what happened before my arrival. I know the Pozzo family well, we have a good rapport, so I’m not worried.
“I am a Coach who thinks 24 hours a day about how to get the best out of the players put at my disposal by the club. I’ve got my blinkers on and focus on the players. I follow their progress technically, physically, psychologically, tactically and even in their lives, as I am older and can give advice.”
Mazzarri has already hit the headlines in England for his smoking habit, including reports he shocked players by lighting up in the locker room.
“It’s not true that I smoked in the locker room, so I want to point that out. I will just say that unfortunately nobody is perfect – I do smoke. However, I always showed respect for those around me and when I do smoke, I always make sure there is nobody around who is upset by that.”
There are another three weeks before the transfer window closes, so will Watford make more new signings?
“As I am an experienced Coach, the club wanted me to first evaluate the players who are already at Watford. The club is ready to pick up two or three elements we need, but those opportunities have to represent players better than what we already have to make us more competitive.”