WNews Feed - SoundSage

In this last diary instalment, we take a look back at the final two days (July 9 & 10) of Watford’s 2022 Austrian pre-season tour.

The Hornets awoke for their penultimate day in Austria on Saturday (July 9), as preparations ramped up before the exhibition encounter against Panathinaikos a day later.

The morning saw the players enjoy an intense training session under the Austrian sunshine. The squad split into groups for different drills which included shooting, crossing and small-sided games, concluding with an 11 v 11 match as usual.

Following their productive final training session of the camp, the players went for lunch before enjoying a well-earned afternoon off.

Half of the squad decided to rest in their rooms and the spa, while others went up the lift to the top of the mountain, with the coaches going for a walk around the glorious scenery too.

Captured by some of the curious members of the squad, the Austrian mountains provided some breath-taking views.

After returning for dinner, Yáser Asprilla, who had joined up with the squad on day three, performed his initiation song. There had been a high bar set for impressive initiation song performances and Asprilla certainly didn’t disappoint.

The Austrian daybreak the following morning ensured that the players would be waking for their final day (July 10) in glorious sunshine at the Kaiserlodge.

Pre-match breakfast was followed swiftly by a detailed team meeting, as Rob Edwards and his coaches continued to organise their players for the match ahead.

The squad travelled to FC Kössen, and upon arrival were welcomed by a significant number of Greek supporters who had turned out to see Panathinaikos.

With the match ending in a deadlock, both teams shook hands, exchanged pleasantries and made their way back to the dressing rooms.

Edwards was pleased with his team’s fight and desire, explaining: “I’m really pleased. The most pleasing thing was the commitment and the effort, there was a real togetherness.”

For more from the Head Coach on the friendly fixture, and the Austrian tour, click HERE.

The day concluded with a final trip to Salzburg Airport before the team arrived back in the UK ahead of another important pre-season clash against Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday (July 12, 3pm KO).