New Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Walter Zenga has claimed that the Championship will be comparable to the Premier League in terms of competition this season.

Of the 24 teams in the second tier, 19 have previously competed in the top flight, including heavyweights Aston Villa and Newcastle United, both of whom were relegated last term.

Zenga took over from Kenny Jackett days after Wolves were purchased by Chinese conglomerate Fosun International, who have made no secret of their intentions to get the Midlands side promoted at the earliest opportunity.

"I have watched a lot of games in England and the Championship and I wanted to come here," Zenga told reporters on Thursday. "In my opinion it is like the Premier League this season when you look at the teams in it like Newcastle, Norwich, Fulham – it is fantastic."

The Italian has no previous experience managing in England but insisted that he is not "nervous" ahead of Wolves' season opener at Rotherham United on Saturday.

"I am excited, but not nervous," he said. "Nervous is not the right word because if I feel like that I will pass that on to the players. I am excited and proud to be here.

"We are setting off on a long season, a marathon. In August we play almost every three days and we need everybody – everybody will be involved in this project.

"It is Saturday/Tuesday/Saturday, this is what happens in the Championship and it is important to have all the players available and in good shape."

The Championship season kicks off tonight when Newcastle travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham.