On Monday, January 24 Watford sacked their manager Claudio Ranieri after only 14 games in charge of the Premier League strugglers.
Ranieri was hired in October to replace Xisco Munoz, but the 70-year-old Italian was unable to improve Watford’s fortunes, with the Hornets taking just seven points during his brief reign.
Just 112 days after his appointment, Ranieri paid the price for Watford’s slump into the relegation zone following last week’s 3-0 defeat against relegation rivals Norwich.
“Watford Football Club confirms the departure of Head Coach Claudio Ranieri,” a club statement read.
Watford currently are second bottom of the table, two points from safety, after losing seven of their last eight league games.
The Hornets are experiencing their longest winless run since 2014, not recording a victory in nine games in all competitions.
According to Watford’s owners, the sacking of Ranieri is meant to give the team a chance as they battle to avoid relegation after last season’s promotion from the Championship.
“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,” the statement read.
Ranieri is known for his famous Premier League title win with Leicester in 2016, but his time at Watford has been far less successful.
When the Italian was given the managerial job at Watford he began with a loss after Liverpool thrashed them 5-0 in his first game.
Watford’s 4-1 win against Manchester United in November was Ranieri’s second and final victory with the club having lost 11 of his 14 matches.
Watford will hope to have a new manager in place in time for their crucial showdown with Burnley on February 5.