Jobless since the year of 2014, after getting sacked by Inter, Walter Mazzarri came to Manchester to immerse himself into the world of Premier League football, living and learning English as he increased his knowledge about football even going through the books written by reputed people.
It is said that former Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores and Walter Mazzarri have similar characteristics. Both determined in their philosophy of football and both from the Southern Europe. One from the sunny Spain and another with a fiery reputation hailing from the beautiful country of Italy.
Mazzarri’s fiery attitude is renowned across that landscape. After Quique parted ways at the end of the season after disagreeing apparently with Watford and having different views than what the board of the club had, the Hornets appointed Mazzarri and indeed the Italian had a lot to do. The game on the English soil is paced, competitive and very physical. Six months on since his debut with the team, how has Mazzarri performed?
The season started with an intense tussle at the south coast against Southampton where the spoils were shared but losses to two London giants Chelsea and Arsenal meant that the start wasn’t bright at all but two wins quickly including a gigantic win over Manchester United meant that Mazzarri had just raised eyebrows and this time, the eyebrows of hope, optimism and surprise.
Watford’s topsy-turvy run has seen them win over mid-table clubs and a struggling Leicester City. In 10th place with 22 points, Mazzarri’s era has kicked into a rhythmic gear. Even though the position in the table might not speak volumes, Watford can take credit from the fact that they have got a manager who is absolutely committed to his work and doesn’t stop trying at all and then they have got a bunch of players working week in week out to adjust to the philosophy and expectations.
Mazzarri’s tactics have always revolved around two formations with in-depth study before facing a team. He loves playing with three at the back and that’s what he has done at Watford as well. Zuniga’s arrival means Watford have depth at wide areas but what has come at an important time is the resurgence of both Holebas and Amrabat as wingbacks, providing that burst of pace in the attack and also tracking back to cover the defence and provide width to the team.
Midfielders Valon Behrami and Etienne Capoue have emerged as prominent names in the first team as the Italian gaffer loves two strong midfielders and the attacking flair is provided by the ex-Juventus forward Roberto Pereyra who has been a crucial signing. Up top, Okaka is showing promising signs whereas Watford can always rely on captain Troy Deeney who has taken his chance with open hands. Results will arrive and we see that in the case of Manchester United as well.
Verdict
The first six months of Mazzarri’s reign has been all about setting the team, creating a balance and portraying an outlook that the team would take up and he has done that sublimely. In the Premier League for a new manager, the results obviously won’t be a win-win always.
The team is gelling well and the execution is just beginning to look decent even though Watford have only won one in the last five. The Christmas period with winter fast approaching sees Watford face Crystal Palace and I’d say, first six months, Mazzarri has done a solid job and laid down the foundations. The coming months will be all about execution of the well-laid plan.
