Alessio Dionisi has made clear he has no interest in discussing transfer business right now, insisting that his energy is entirely directed at Watford's next Championship fixture rather than any potential summer additions to his squad.

The Italian, appointed to replace Ed Still in June, spoke to BBC Three Counties Radio ahead of the Hornets' away trip to Wrexham on Saturday (15:00 BST), the second game of the Championship season after Watford's eye-catching 2-1 opening-day victory over Southampton.

Dionisi draws a clear line

"I don't want to talk about the transfer market," Dionisi said. "I respect the question but for me it's important to speak about my players and my team. For us it's better to speak about Wrexham."

The former Sassuolo head coach acknowledged that squad strengthening is a priority for the club, but was equally firm that those decisions belong to Watford's recruitment department rather than to him. His job, as he sees it, is to prepare the group he has for the matches in front of them.

"The market is important but my job is different," he added. "Now there is Wrexham, then three days later there is the Carabao Cup, so for us it's important to focus on that, and for the club the transfer market."

Bola injury adds to selection concerns

Dionisi's focus on the playing squad is not without reason. Watford head into the Wrexham fixture without full-back Marc Bola, who has picked up an injury. Dionisi was sympathetic about the loss of a player he regards as a leader, while remaining measured about the options available to him.

"I am sorry for Marc because he is an important player, he is a leader," he said, "but there is also Jordan [Zemura], who is a good player. Probably there will be a chance for another player."

The injury nonetheless underlines a concern that has been present since Dionisi arrived: the squad, by his own admission, is relatively small and thin in certain positions. Watford finished 16th in the Championship last season, and the new head coach is understood to be aware that depth will be essential if they are to push for a more competitive campaign this time around.

Building on opening-day momentum

There is at least a positive backdrop heading into the Wrexham fixture. The win over Southampton on the opening weekend handed Dionisi's side an early confidence boost and gave a first glimpse of how he wants his team to operate. How the Hornets carry that form into a potentially tricky away assignment will offer a more meaningful read on where this squad currently stands.

Dionisi's reluctance to engage publicly with transfer speculation is a recognisable approach for a head coach settling into a new club. With recruitment staff handling the market, he appears content to keep his own attentions narrowly focused. Whether the business done before the window closes will be enough to fill the gaps he has identified remains to be seen, but for now Watford's manager is, as he says, thinking only about Wrexham.

Frequently asked

When is Watford's next Championship game?
Watford travel to Wrexham on Saturday with a 15:00 BST kick-off, their second Championship fixture of the season.
Who is Watford's head coach this season?
Alessio Dionisi, the former Sassuolo manager, was appointed as Watford head coach in June, replacing Ed Still.
Is Marc Bola fit for Watford's game against Wrexham?
No. Dionisi confirmed that full-back Marc Bola is injured and will miss the trip to Wrexham, with Jordan Zemura expected to come into contention.