Ex-Watford midfielder Behrami returns in technical role.

Valon Behrami missed feeling like a member of the Watford “family” and was eager to return “to be a part of something so exciting”.

As revealed by the Watford Observer last week, the former midfielder has returned to London Colney to work alongside Gian Luca Nani, and Watford have officially confirmed his employment as assistant to the sporting director.

Valon Behrami listens as head coach Paulo Pezzolano delivers a point (Image: Alan Cozzi/Watford FC). “When I was a Watford player, it was the first time I felt like I was part of a family, and I’ve missed it,” the 40-year-old revealed. “I’m so glad to be back. Scott (Duxbury) originally signed me at West Ham and then again as a player at Watford, so I was delighted when he invited me to be a part of something so exciting for the third time.

“I want to help strengthen the bond between the technical staff and the club, the players and the club, and, most importantly, the supporters, since this is the only way we will achieve our goal.

“To do that we need hard work, we need discipline, and we need the support of everyone.” As previously reported, Behrami will function as a liaison with the players, while Nani will handle technical concerns and recruitment.

“I am here to support Paulo (Pezzolano) and the players,” the former Swiss international stated. “I understand what it’s like to be a player, what they require, and how they respond when things don’t go as planned, which is common in football.

“Paulo has been fantastic from the start, and you can see he is driven, disciplined, and has extremely high standards. “This is the only way to work.”

The former midfielder is back at Vicarage Road. (Image by Alan Cozzi/Watford FC) Watford’s sporting director stated, “I am happy to be working with Valon again. He will be of significant assistance to both the technical staff and the players.

I know he has a strong bond from his time here as a player. He has already had a positive influence.” Behrami was capped 83 times by Switzerland and represented them in four consecutive World Cup Finals.

He began his career with Lugano, Genoa, and Lazio before heading to England for his first tenure. He joined West Ham in 2008 and went on to play 63 Premier League games for the east London club.

Following four seasons in Serie A with Fiorentina and Napoli, he went to Hamburg before joining Watford in 2015.
He was one of numerous summer additions under Quique Sanchez Flores, which included Etienne Capoue, Jose Holebas, and Sebastian Prodl.

Behrami made 49 appearances for the Hornets, rising to prominence in his second season under Walter Mazzarri, before joining Udinese in 2017.

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