Watford head into their Championship meeting with Burnley with a welcome boost, as Alessio Dionisi confirmed that six first-teamers have returned to fitness during the international break. For a side sitting 20th after losing half of their league games so far this season, the timing could hardly be better.
The Hornets had been stretched badly before the pause, unable to name a full complement of substitutes in two of their final three matches. Now, Dionisi says the extra options feel almost like a fresh start ahead of Saturday’s test at Vicarage Road.
Dionisi: it feels like new players
Speaking to Three Counties Radio, Dionisi said the recovery work over the break has given him something close to a reset. Soumaila Coulibaly, Jordan Zemura, Martin Payero, Omar Traore, Marc Bola, Travis Akomeah and Krepin Diatta are all available for selection, although not all will be ready for 90 minutes.
“It is better for us because now we have enough players to have two teams on the pitch,” Dionisi said. He added that some would probably be ready only after the next international break in November, but stressed that, for now, he has a lot of “new” players to work with.
Squad depth matters more than ever
That is the key issue for Watford. Dionisi is not just gaining bodies, he is gaining the chance to train properly and rotate with a little more control. When a team is short of substitutes, every injury, every tactical change and every late-game problem becomes harder to manage.
Watford’s position in the standings makes that even more important. They have played only eight matches under Dionisi, who was appointed in June, and he has made clear that the immediate focus is not on dwelling on the recent run but on improving what comes next.
What Dionisi wants next
The manager said the last results were not good enough and that it is better for the group to think about the future. He also described the international break as important for recovery and for getting to know the new players better, while noting that he was able to see his family as well.
Dionisi’s message was calm but firm: he loves his job, he loves his work, and he feels best when he is on the pitch. For Watford, the pitch now offers a clearer picture than it did before the break — more options, more competition, and a better chance to respond when Burnley arrive.
