Xisco Munoz is under no illusion about how difficult the Premier League is going to be after his side were beaten 3-1 by Crystal Palace yesterday.

It was the third time the Hornets have finished on the losing end of a game against top flight opponents in pre-season, with Brentford and Arsenal also getting the better of them.

However, the Spaniard said that the loss at Selhurst Park was the truest reflection of the standard he is expecting when the season begins next week and believes his team needs to work together to ensure they are ready for the challenge.

"Today was the first [real taste of Premier League football] because for the last games, our programme was totally different," said Munoz.

Watford Observer:

"We tried to give everyone the same minutes, and it was hard when you play at 8.30 one game, and then then next day at 10 against Arsenal, we finished with with the under 23s.

"We know what is the Premier League, I think everybody knows what is the level and we need to give our maximum. I need the same mentality as least season. We need to work every day, building and building and building our idea.

"It's important now to work with humility every day and step by step, we should arrive at our big goal."

The target for the head coach this season is a simple one: first achieve Premier League survival, then see what else is up for grabs.

Standing between him and that goal is, what he considers to be, some of the best teams and coaches in the world.

"We need to stay in the Premier League, this is the first step," he said.

"After we will see what is our capacity. I always say the best condition for one person is knowing what point you are at, so you can learn and you can improve yourself. Always you have the capacity to move on.

"We need every day to learn about all the situations, and not get frustrated because in front of us we will have very good teams.

"In front of us we will have the best coaches in the world, the best teams in the world and we need to work hard to not lose focus."