Walter Mazzarri to take intensive English course as first season at Watford ends

Settled | Walter Mazzarri has impressed in his first season in the Premier League
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Tom Collomosse4 May 2017

Walter Mazzarri is planning to undertake an intensive English course after completing his first season as Watford manager.

The Italian is to make a determined effort to improve his command of the language after conducting virtually all press conferences and interviews in his native tongue this season.

The club hierarchy believe it is important that, as one of the public faces of Watford, Mazzarri is able to communicate effectively in English.

Mazzarri is now investigating when he could begin the course, with the period between the end of the season and the start of pre-season training identified as the most likely window.

Until now, Mazzarri has delivered messages in training mainly in Italian, though he has a limited grasp of English. Coaches Nicolo Frustalupi and Luca Vigiani help relay the instructions as does Gianni Brignardello, head of sports science.

The relentless nature of the season and Mazzarri’s own approach — he spends lengthy stints at the training ground — means there has been little time for the lessons Mazzarri needs to improve.

Watford’s Italian owners, the Pozzo family, handed Mazzarri a three-year deal when they hired him last summer. For his first season, the 55-year-old was asked to ensure Watford survived in the top flight.

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With four games remaining, the Hornets have 40 points, eight more than Swansea who occupy the final relegation place. If Watford, who travel to Leicester on Saturday, match Swansea’s result this weekend, it will ensure they spend a third consecutive season in the Premier League.

Mazzarri has already held preliminary talks about summer transfers and the programme for pre-season. Watford are expected to travel to Austria for a 10-day training camp in July.

Despite the doubts voiced in some quarters about Mazzarri’s training regime, the former Napoli and Inter Milan boss has had to contend with a severe injury list, meaning important players like Roberto Pereyra and Mauro Zarate have been absent for long spells.

Since the Pozzo family took control of Watford in 2012, there has been a significant turnover of players between seasons, and this year is expected to be no exception.

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