Watford signing Abdi keen to adapt to English game (From Watford Observer)

Watford signing Almen Abdi hoping to adapt to English game following Udinese move

9:40am Monday 20th August 2012 in Watford FC News By Tom Allnutt

New signing Almen Abdi admits it will take him time to adjust to English football but hopes he will be able to command a regular starting spot as soon as possible.

The 25-year-old, who signed on a season-long loan deal from Udinese, is settling in well after struggling to hold down a first-team place at the Italian club.

It’s a fresh start for the Swiss midfielder and he is determined to adapt to the pace of the Championship and make the most of his time at Vicarage Road.

“It’s totally different from football in Italy, which I’m not used to, but I’m just trying to work hard every day – it will obviously take time,” he said.

“Physically English football is much quicker – in Italy you work a lot on tactics every day but here it is much quicker and much more intense.

“The referees’ decisions are very different too,” he joked.

Abdi insists the pace and style of English football was one of the things that attracted him to Watford, along with the lure of playing more regularly and working with Gianfranco Zola.

He said: “First of all it’s important for me to play more than I have been. The second thing was I like English football – the way it is played, it’s quick. 

“And I have a good relationship with Gianfranco Zola. He is a very good person and a very good coach.

“I am sure he will be successful – he is doing well with the players, he talks to us a lot and gives us confidence which is very important.

“I am very pleased with my decision. I was at Udinese for three years and it was the right time for me to change club.”

Abdi is positive ahead of the new campaign and emphasised his first priority is to help the team.

He said: “We have many new players now and I think we are going to have a lot of quality this year.

“I like this team and the club – the guys are fun to be around so I’m enjoying it a lot.

“I want to be part of the team and help the team achieve our objectives. I am positive for the season.”

Abdi, who says he likes to get forward and score goals, has had his pre-season preparations hampered recently by injury.

The Swiss international believes he is 90 per cent fit but insists he will be ready within a fortnight.