Why Watford look to Ranieri after dismissing Xisco Munoz

Watford have decided on their new manager after sacking Spaniard, Xisco Munoz; following a 1-0 defeat to Leeds United on Matchday 7, the Hornets’ board have decided they’ve seen enough and picked their replacement in Claudio Ranieri.

The London side made the decision to change their coach after a loss that left them 15th in the Premier League table. Despite their overall form putting them in a comfortable position, the Watford hierarchy felt change was needed, dismissing Xisco after just 10 months in charge of the Hornets.

"In a statement from the club, they said that “The Board feels recent performances strongly indicate a negative trend at a time when team cohesion should be visibly improving.”"

Xisco, himself, said he was surprised and disappointed to be relieved of his duties.

Harsh but a norm for Watford

The sacking will seem harsh to Watford fans, considering the club’s league placement, form and the lack of time Xisco was given at the helm – but the Hornets fans will also have become accustomed to changing managers regularly. Watford have now changed their manager 16 times since 2011.

The Italian and former Premier League winner Claudio Ranieri is the chosen man to take over the club. The 69-year-old last managed in the Serie A with Sampdoria but left his position in the summer.

Ranieri’s wealth of experience should be welcomed

Ranieri has a wealth of experience with Watford being the 21st club he would manage Since 1998 – Ranieri has won eight trophies – including the famous Premier League title run with Leicester City back in 2016.

Despite his success, the Italian’s last foray in the English league came with now Championship Fulham – where he lasted just 106 days – with the club going on to be relegated.

As Ranieri takes over at Vicarage Road, he could face an uphill battle to win over fans, with the position Xisco has the club currently situated.

Their next Premier League game is against Liverpool on the 16th of October, following the international break. They will be full of confidence as they reminisce on their last meeting with the Reds on home soil at Vicarage Road.

They broke Jurgen Klopp and his men’s invincible run when they met on Matchday 28, in the 2019/2020 Premier League winning season for the Reds – Ismaila Sarr will have fond memories of that day having scored a brace for the Hornets to help them win 3-0.

Following the big Klopp test, Ranieri has Rafa and the other Merseyside club Everton to take on, which is then accompanied by a matchup against an opponent fighting to beat this season’s relegation, that would be Southampton.

The Premier League is unkind to all and shows no mercy to any newcomer or re-entry. Claudio Ranieri has his work cut out for him but is no stranger to the men he faces.