Watford have sacked Claudio Ranieri after three months in charge as Head Coach following a disastrous slump in form.
Ranieri replaced Xisco in early October 2021 when Watford were sat 15th in the Premier League but have claimed just seven points 13 league matches in charge, whilst the Hornets also exited of the FA Cup at the Third Round stage away to Ranieri’s former team – Leicester.
A 3-0 home defeat against Norwich on Friday evening (21 January) consequently dropped Watford into the relegation zone for the first time this season, with a win for Newcastle ultimately placing the club 19th in the table heading into this month’s international break.
Watford owner, Gino Pozzo has therefore decided to relieve Ranieri of his duties as Head Coach with immediate effect.
The Club also released the following statement: ‘Watford Football Club confirms the departure of Head Coach Claudio Ranieri.
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.’
Watford’s next match is a relegation six-pointer away to Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday 5 February at 6pm GMT, live on BT Sport in a rearranged clash between the two bottom-placed Premier League teams after twice being previously postponed due to Coronavirus outbreaks.
During Ranieri’s tenure at Vicarage Road, Watford conceded 34 goals across Premier League plus FA Cup which is double their goal tally of 17 goals under the Italian.
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