Watford manager Walter Mazzarri has set his sights on securing Premier League survival for his side during the upcoming campaign.

The Hornets enjoyed a bright start to last season to all but secure their top-flight status by the turn of the year, avoiding an immediate return to the Championship for the first time in the Premier League era.

However, their eventual 13th-place finish was not enough to save Quique Flores's job, and Mazzarri is looking forward to testing himself in the division.

"The first objective is to stay in the Premier League. Those who know me, know that we will work hard and prepare to see how far we can get. But this for me is a new experience and I can't wait to start," he told reporters.

"I am also very curious as I have always been for the first games. There is also a bit of tension, but also a lot of attention to prepare for the games in the right way.

"I think I know the squad quite well, but there is still a lot to get to know. If I had to give a percentage it is 70 to 80%, but there are still things to verify and tomorrow will be the first real test to know what level I am at."

Watford will begin the new campaign away to Southampton on Saturday.