New Watford boss Marco Silva demands squad speak English to help with on-pitch communication

MARCO SILVA is demanding that his players only speak English in training after last season's problems understanding each other.

Under former manager Walter Mazzarri the squad spoke a variety of languages, leading to confusion on the pitch.

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Mazzarri led the Hornets to a disappointing 17th place finish last season

Mazzarri was sacked after five straight defeats at the tail-end of last season, causing the Hornets to slide down the table into 17th place.

The Italian manager famously conducted his interviews with a translator present, demonstrating his own problems with English.

New manager Marco Silva now has plans to unite his new side and get Watford into the top ten.

It won't be easy - as Watford's squad includes players from 20 different countries.

When quizzed in his first press conference after penning his new two-year-deal, he said: "Will the players be speaking only in English? Yes.

“The main language is English. I’ve come here to speak English. Normally I talk in front of everyone in English.”

The former Hull boss is trying to make this one language policy easier by bringing in more English talent.

Watford have acquired the services of Chelsea's Nathaniel Chalobah, who was on loan at the club in 2013, as well as midfielder Will Hughes from Derby County.

Silva explained: “We look at the English players, players that look at the competition and then try to sign the players. It is not easy to find good solutions. With our budget it is not easy.

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The English players are joined by compatriot Tom Cleverley, whose loan move from Everton was made permanent. signing a new five-year-deal.

The Hornets have also brought in right-back Kiko Femenia from Spanish side Alaves and Austrian keeper Daniel Bachmann from Stoke.

Silva will hope the new additions can settle into his "English only" system in time for the new season.

They host Liverpool on the opening day and will be looking for an improvement on last season's corresponding fixture when they lost 1-0.

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