Xisco Munoz insists his Watford team is ready to show the Premier League why they belong there this weekend when they face Aston Villa in their opening match of the season.

The Hornets are favourites to be relegated among bookmakers, but the underdog status is not something that is concerning the head coach, who insists his players have what it takes to compete among England’s elite football clubs.

“We are ready and we are waiting for the moment. We’ve worked very hard to arrive here,” said Munoz.

“Sure, we will have hard games and we’re going to have difficult moments in the games, but we are ready. We’re ready.

“We want to come into the game with full power. It’s important for me to have a good atmosphere for everyone. Also with our players, we want to show everyone why we’re in the Premier League. This is the message and we are ready, 100 per cent. We are ready. We’ve waited for this moment for too much time.”

Watford are in pretty good shape going into the match this weekend, with only three players out with injuries.

The Spaniard is pleased with his players’ physical condition after pre-season and says they are all in good enough shape to play for 90 minutes come Saturday.

“We have not many injuries. It was a brilliant pre-season for our physical condition,” he said.

“Our process was very, very good and everybody is fit. Everybody is ready to play 90 minutes.

“All the players played and everybody had the same minutes and everybody is ready. And I’m very happy with the staff and with the work of the players because everybody worked very hard to be ready for the first game, to be ready to play 90 minutes.”

A raft of new arrivals will have given the head coach some decisions to make, as he tries to work out his best starting 11.

He admits he still is not sure what that is just yet, but said he still expects the very best from those who do play.

“Sometimes some players can learn in two weeks, some players in six months. It depends,” said Munoz.

“The most important, I think, is they want to play. They have good adaptation in the country, in the team. And this is important.

“I think also the group did a very good job because the team helped everyone with their adaptation and this is perfect.

“The question is about improving. We will see how much time we need. We’re in the process, but we need time.

“It’s not an excuse for us to not give our best level in the first game. This is always our goal.”

Overall, Munoz is feeling excited about the challenge ahead, regardless of how tough it is.

Despite any pressure he may be under, he is determined to enjoy the experience of coaching in the Premier League.

“I can’t wait for the moment. I just want to arrive in the stadium with all our people,” he said.

“Last season, we lost too much time together and I want everyone to come to the stadium with a very good mood and to try to enjoy this moment.

“Covid left us, for too much time, without football, without our moments. So if everyone comes and tries to give maximum support and give a very good atmosphere for the team, I’m sure you will help us. I want to enjoy this moment. It’s my first game in the Premier League. It’s good, it’s perfect. And I’m sure I will enjoy it.”