Watford have sacked former Roma,
Chelsea, Juventus, Atletico Madrid and Leicester boss Claudio
Ranieri after just over three months in charge after earning
just seven points in 13 games.
The club owned by Italy's Pozzo family are second from bottom in
the Premier League on 14 points, two above Burnley who have two
games in hand.
The much-travelled Roman Ranieri, 70, whose other previous clubs
include Valencia, Parma, Inter Milan, Monaco, Nantes, Fulham and
Sampdoria, as well as the Greek national team, won the
Premiership with Leicester in 2016.
Called in to to Vicarage Road to replace Spain's Xisco Munoz on
October 4, Ranieri was unable to turn Watford's season around,
with its last win against Manchester United on November 20.
A 3-0 home defeat to fellow strugglers Norwich Saturday meant
that the Hornets were overtaken not only by the Canaries but
also by Newcastle.
Ranieri said after the Norwich loss "now we need a change in
mentality" and rejected quit suggestions.
Watford said in a 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."
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