Mail Online

RANIERI OUT

Watford poised to sack boss as search begins for his replacement

By Sami Mokbel

WATFORD have begun the process of identifying Claudio Ranieri’s successor with the Italian facing the sack following Friday’s shocking home 3-0 loss to Norwich.

Sources close to the club expect Ranieri to lose his job with the Hornets now actively seeking his replacement.

MailOnline exclusively revealed on New Year’s Eve that the Italian was under increasing pressure at Vicarage Road amid doubts over his suitability as head coach.

Three weeks later, the club are now believed to be close to axing Ranieri (pictured) as a result of Watford’s awful record of just two wins from 14 matches under the former Leicester and Chelsea manager.

Ranieri could last in the job until a new boss agrees to take over but it is now looking increasingly likely that his reign at Vicarage Road is drawing to a close. Watford don’t play again until February 5, so there is some

breathing space for the club in terms of their recruitment process.

Ranieri, 70, who apologised to fans after the Norwich humbling, has overseen 11 defeats since he replaced Xisco Munoz in October.

His team have picked up just one Premier League point from eight games, a stretch that has culminated in the Hornets plunging to 19th place in the table, having played three matches more than bottom club Burnley.

Ranieri seemed to turn on some of his players after the Norwich loss, accusing a few of not having the required fight for their survival battle. ‘I asked the players to light the fire,’ he said. ‘The Premier League is a tough league and players who want to play and fight for the squad can continue with us.

‘I want players who can believe and can fight in every match with passion and heart.’ That dismal result against Dean Smith’s team has forced Watford’s owners, the Pozzo family, into acting as they look to stave off relegation.

For his part, Ranieri insists he has no intention of throwing in the towel. ‘I want to continue because I am a fighter,’ he said.

‘I’ve never given up during my career. This is a good team, but they must change the mentality.

‘I speak with the board every day, and we are all passionate about this and are working the right way. We have to react.’

On December 31, MailOnline revealed there was disquiet from inside the Hornets’ first-team camp over the Italian’s methods just three months into his tenure.

There has been no improvement since so, despite Ranieri’s friendship with members of the Pozzo family, the club are set to act.

Football

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2022-01-23T08:00:00.0000000Z

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