Walter Mazzarri: Watford will be a better team next season

Friday 7 April 2017 12:55, UK

Walter Mazzarri expects Watford to flourish next season, in what will be the 55-year-old's second campaign in charge of the club.

The Italian, who has also managed in Serie A with Sampdoria, Napoli and Inter Milan, claims "the second season is usually easier than the first".

The Hornets are 10th in the Premier League and are all but certain of their top-flight status for 2017/18 - they presently stand nine points above the drop zone.

The Italian says fans of the club should witness an improvement next season, explaining: "My experience is that the first year is more difficult and the second is easier.

"The squad know your philosophy and the players who come after that will have an advantage, because players will be able to help them."

"But there are two things we need to see before the season ends: mentality and we need a winning mentality.

"Then we will see for next season who wants to stay in the squad. I signed a three-year contract so it is clear I want to stay.

"In football, things change, but we have a project with the president of the club and I want to see it through to the end."

Looking ahead to Saturday's trip to White Hart Lane, Mazzarri said he expects Tottenham to finish as Premier League runners-up, adding: "I think Chelsea has the advantage with seven or eight games left.

"But Tottenham have been really good and deserve at least to be in second place."

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