Watford sack manager Claudio Ranieri after 14 games in charge

Watford manager Claudio Ranieri was sacked on Monday after 14 games in charge following a dreadful run of results which left the club in the Premier Leqague’s relegation zone. The Italian tactician was hired in October to replace Xisco Munoz after the Spaniard’s dismissal. But the 70-year-old was unable to improve Watford’s fortunes, with the Hornets taking just seven points during his brief tenure. Ranieri’s last game in charge was Friday’s 3-0 home defeat against fellow relegation strugglers Norwich City.

Official. Watford confirms the departure of Head Coach Claudio Ranieri, he’s been fired – club now at work to find a new manager. ? #WatfordFC pic.twitter.com/Nmc1RgLI6M

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 24, 2022

Just 112 days after appointment, Ranieri paid the price for Watford’s slump into the relegation zone following last week’s defeat to Norwich.

“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,” Watford said in a statement.

“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 achieve the immediate goal of retaining Premier League status.”

The Hornets are winless in nine games in all competitions, their longest winless run since 2013. Ranieri was in charge for 14 games, losing 10 of those and winning just two. His last win was a 4-1 victory against Manchester United, which led to the exit of United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Watford, promoted last season, is in 19th position after seven defeats and one draw in its last eight games. It was the Italian’s fourth managerial role in the Premier League, stretching back to being hired by Chelsea in 2000. He made a sensational return with Leicester City in 2015, guiding them to a fairytale Premier League triumph, a year later. But he failed to work his magic at Watford.

He also managed Fulham for a short spell in 2018-19, while he has also had several roles in Italy as well as at Valencia, Atletico Madrid, Monaco, Greece and Nantes.