Valon Behrami admits his admiration for the Pozzo family made his decision to join the Hornets from Hamburg an easy one.

The Swiss grafter was at the Hornets' 2-2 draw with AFC Wimbledon a week ago and was an unused substitute in Wednesday's 4-1 win over German amateurs SC Verl. He could make his first outing since joining on a three-year deal from HSV in tomorrow's clash with Paderborn.

As a former Napoli, Fiorentina and Lazio player, the 30-year-old is well aware of the Pozzo family and all they have achieved in 29 years of owning Udinese.

And speaking from the Hornets' training base at Marienfeld, the former West Ham United midfielder admitted his appreciation of the Pozzos' work was a factor in his decision to move to Hertfordshire from Hamburg.

Asked if he had any other offers before joining the Golden Boys, Behrami said: "I had other offers and other chances [to move] and I could have waited because the transfer window is very long, but I like the way the Pozzos work.

"I have known them a long time so I know when they start a new project they are doing something seriously and building something important.

"I had the chance to be involved in this project and I did not have to think too much [about signing]. A big manager like this (Quique Sanchez Flores), with his name was important as well in my choice.

"I need a guide in front of me, I listen to what the manager wants. So I thought about it for two or three days then I was happy to join Watford."

He continued: "The Pozzos are viewed as people who always know what they are doing. They are very intelligent in their work and their scouting is amazing. They find two or three unknown players, give them a chance and then if another club wants to buy them it will be very expensive.

"Even when Udinese have a negative season, every time they improve the next year. They know what to do and what makes the team better. They are very intelligent people within football."

Initially the Hornets' aim for the forthcoming season is simple: avoid an immediate return to the Championship, a division which they spent three seasons trying to escape under the family's ownership.

But after that, who knows? The club is in the best position it has ever been in after reaching the top flight, so what is the ultimate aim long term?

"We did not speak a lot about next year," stated Behrami. "We talked about this season and of course the target is not to be relegated.

"I know the way they work. If we reach this target then they will invest more but we do not have to think about the future, we have to think about now, this season and this preparation.

"I only think we can reach this target if everyone gives 100 per cent and everyone improves in every position in every game."

The Watford Observer's trip to Germany has been kindly sponsored by DAS Heating, Bathrooms & Lighting Supplies Ltd. Visit www.dasheating.co.uk/shop/ for more information.