Play
axe falls Watford confirm the sacking of manager Claudio Ranieri after just 16 weeks
Watford have sacked manager Claudio Ranieri after just 16 weeks in the hotseat.
The well-travelled Italian signed a two-year deal at Vicarage Road in October, replacing Xisco Munoz with the side 15th, having taken seven points from their first seven Premier League games.
But Ranieri only managed to double that points tally during his 13 top-flight matches in charge and has now reportedly been sacked after 112 days.
The Hornets languish in 19th place in the Premier League and sit just two points above bottom-placed Burnley, who have two games in hand on the Hertfordshire side.
The relegation rivals will go toe-to-toe in a rearranged encounter at Turf Moor this weekend, with last Friday’s chastening 3-0 home loss to struggling Norwich the final straw for the Watford hierarchy.
"Watford Football Club confirms the departure of Head Coach Claudio Ranieri," read a club statement.
"The Hornets' Board recognises Claudio as a man of great integrity and honour, who will always be respected here at Vicarage Road for his efforts in leading the team with dignity.
"However the Board feels that, with nearly half of the Premier League campaign remaining, a change in the Head Coach position now will give a new appointment sufficient time to work with a talented squad to achieve the immediate goal of retaining Premier League status.
"No further club comment will be made until this new appointment is confirmed in due course."
Top Videos
Play
Play
Play
Play
Play
Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts.
Latest Soccer
- Footage emerges of Patrick Vieria in a confrontation with an Everton fan
- Frank Lampard says escaping relegation may be his best achievement as manager
- Euphoric scenes at Goodison Park as emotional Frank Lampard leads Everton to safety
- Thomas Tuchel highlights Chelsea ‘miracle’ after N’Golo Kante’s injury issues
- Patrick Vieira involved in confrontation with fan after Palace defeat at Everton
Latest
- Amy Broadhurst and Lisa O’Rourke – Irish boxing’s golden girls of Istanbul
- Footage emerges of Patrick Vieria in a confrontation with an Everton fan
- Sean McGoldrick Opinion The complete idiot’s guide to the race for Sam Maguire as favourites emerges
- Rory McIlroy gives his verdict after sparkling start at PGA Championship
- Tiger Woods’ not happy with cameraman as he limps through PGA Championship