The start of the 2016/17 Premier League season is just days away, and English football’s top flight will welcome five managers who have never worked in the division before.
Ahead of the big kick-off, Adrian Clarke assesses each debutant’s philosophy, and what is on their 'to do' list. First up is Watford manager Walter Mazzarri.
The Hornets’ new head coach has used pre-season to get his players accustomed to a fresh formation. Under Mazzarri’s guidance Watford will line up in an Italian-style 3-5-2 or 3-4-2-1 shape.
On the back of a stuttering end to last season now is a good time to try something different.
From a defensive perspective, the wily Mazzarri likes having plenty of bodies in central areas. His three-man rearguard will sit deep and narrow, with the wing-back on the opposite side of the pitch tucking inside to make up a back four, while the other wide player closes down the ball.
Three central midfielders will also be asked to stem the service into front players.
This set-up may help Watford concede fewer chances from crosses. Only four PL clubs conceded more headed shots (77) than they did last term.
Going forward, wing-backs are pivotal to the requirements of the 54-year-old, who demands width and productivity from the flanks, something the side lacked under Quique Sanchez Flores.
As part of a summer shake-up, attacking midfielders Jose Manuel Jurado (no goals, no assists) and Almen Abdi (two goals, no assists) have been sold, and winger Steven Berguis (no goals, two assists) has joined Feyenoord on loan.
Two athletic, specialist wing-backs Brice Dja Djedje and Juan Camilo Zuniga have been brought in, and they will compete with the likes Jose Holebas and Ikechi Anya for a position on either flank.
Reigniting the chemistry between Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo is also a priority. They combined far less fluently after Christmas last season, with Ighalo – who scored one goal from February onwards – playing as an individual too much.
With a track record of developing strike partnerships at Sampdoria and Napoli, the new head coach could be the right man to spark them into action.
Watford on the break in 2015/16
| Club rank | Fast-break goals | Club rank | Fast-break goal attempts |
| 1. Leicester City | 6 | 1. Leicester | 15 |
| 2. Manchester City | 5 | 2. Arsenal, Spurs, Newcastle | 12 |
| 20. Watford | 0 | 9. Watford | 7 |
The Italian's philosophy lends itself to counter-attacking football; something the Hornets struggled to produce last term. In fact they were one of only six teams not to score a single goal on the break.
Mazzarri is making big changes, and they will be a work in progress for some time.
