Xisco Muñoz reflects positively on Watford’s pre-season as a whole and sees steady improvement from his squad, but knows more needs to be done in the Premier League, a division he considers the best in the world.
“I think this pre-season was very good, we’ve worked very hard,” said the Head Coach. “We improved our physical condition, our tactics and our techniques every day and the most important [thing] was everyone gave their maximum. I’m very happy with them.”
With the squad splitting minutes between games at the training ground and in friendlies at Vicarage Road and Stevenage’s Lamex Stadium, the trip to Selhurst Park was the first time Muñoz had a full squad to choose from.
“Today was the first [proper] game. The last games were totally different because we tried to give everyone minutes. It was hard when you play [in the evening], and the next day [in the morning] against Arsenal. Thank you to the Academy also, because the Academy always gives players to help us.”
Colombian attacker Cucho Hernández played in the centre of the attack for the Hornets in South London, but has also lined up on the wings previously in pre-season. Muñoz is keen to use the versatility of his players to help in his approach to each game.
“It is dependent on the game, the situation, the team and what we can do in the game. We have options. I think Cucho was at a very good level,” said the Spaniard.
Watford’s Premier League season begins next Saturday at Vicarage Road, and Muñoz knows the approach to top-flight football will need to be very different to last season in the Championship.
“We know the Premier League, I think everybody knows the level and we have to give our maximum. It’s not the same mentality as last season,” he said.
“Last season in the Championship, maybe you are the king. Now we need to work every day to build our idea and take points, take points, take points. It’s important to work with humility and step-by-step we arrive at our big goal.
“Staying in the Premier League is the first step and afterwards we see. We are working, we need to learn every day and not get frustrated, there are very good teams. We need a very good atmosphere with the fans, it’s important this season we have this connection.”
