It has not, however, been uneventful, with nine first-team signings, a surprisingly low number of departures, and Paulo Pezzolano’s template taking shape for Charlton next Saturday and beyond.

But are they ready to go?

The squad

Giorgi Chakvetadze is still a Watford player. (Image: PA.) Imran Louza, Giorgi Chakvetadze, and Kwadwo Baah are still Watford players as of August 2, which is a fantastic result given the expected interest in the trio.

Pozzo publicly stated his intention to keep star players the week after the 2024/25 season ended, and he has so far kept his word, with no sales resulting from enquiries. Let’s be clear:

signings were required, and a minimum of nine of them before a ball is kicked is efficient work, but Watford’s prized trio are proven top-tier performers who don’t need to acclimatise and will boost their chances even more than incomings.

This is especially important given the large number of summer recruits who are likely to require more than the one remaining week to settle.

Luca Kjerrumgaard, Vivaldo Semedo, Nestory Irankunda, and Othmane Maamma could be Pozzo’s latest masterstrokes, but they are all 22 or younger and require time.

EFL-hardened Marc Bola and Hector Kyprianou are more likely to hit their stride early, while others who remain at the club, such as Mattie Pollock, James Abankwah, Moussa Sissoko, and others, must deliver in the first few weeks.

Additional defensive signings will be required if Watford is to achieve their goals, but the players they’ve retained are critical to a fast start.

Minutes in the legs

Mamadou Doumbia & Paulo Pezzolano (Image by Alan Cozzi/Watford FC) Pezzolano has repeatedly stated that training loads and preparation have not been geared towards performance in pre-season friendlies.

However, it is worth noting that only two outfielders have played 90 minutes in the four matches, Pollock and Mamadou Doumbia against Leyton Orient. At least five of them will need to stay in the Valley for the duration, and Pezzolano is promising to play at that intensity.

That may be addressed in additional behind-closed-doors games, and the players will be prepared very differently for next weekend, but there will almost certainly be some tired legs in the early weeks.

Complex tactics

Paulo Pezzolano and his players (Image by Alan Cozzi/Watford FC) Pezzolano admits that he “needs time” to implement his complex and varied tactical approach.

Watford’s pre-season performances have been marked by positional rotation, with full-backs inverting, midfielders pulling wide, and wingers filling defensive gaps as part of a deliberate strategy to confuse opponents.

The Hornets have also demonstrated a willingness to defend deep with men behind the ball and commit large numbers in the opposition’s half.

The complex approach may well pay off, but the sheer volume of information makes it unlikely to be perfected in the next seven days.

It’s interesting to see how Pezzolano’s need for time relates to his reputation as a promotion specialist, as well as the expectation that Watford will be in the mix this season.

Stand up to the test

Moussa Sissoko scored against Leyton Orient. (Image by Alan Cozzi/Watford FC) Fine-tuning their own approach is one thing; however, Watford must improve their ability to compete in games played on the opposition’s terms.

Last season, Tom Cleverley discussed the need to turn defeats into draws more frequently, and it’s easy to see why, with the Hornets losing 14 of their 23 away games, including all five of their most recent.

Failing to deal with the physical examination provided by Preston, Luton, and Portsmouth resulted in particularly drab road defeats, and it’s worth noting that none of the new additions this summer fill the Ben Watson, Matt Connolly, and Dan Gosling moulds of experienced heads to guide the others through awkward situations.

Pezzolano is interested in adding that type to his squad, but he’ll probably need those already in place to deal with what will undoubtedly be a lively atmosphere at Charlton next week.

Ambition is clear

Gino Pozzo, Watford’s owner (Image: Alan Cozzi.) In terms of ambition, Watford has set its own standards.

Pozzo has stated since the beginning of the summer that he is aiming for a promotion challenge, and Baah and Chakvetadze are among the first-team players who have stated that competing at the top level is their goal.

The squad, which suffered from a lack of depth last season, has been strengthened in key areas, and they now have a head coach who has a track record of achieving their goals.

Pezzolano stated this week that his team “needs to be ready” and that, ultimately, they will be judged on results.

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