BREAKING: Watford sack Ranieri after club drop into EPL drop zone

Watford have sacked Claudio Ranieri after a run of eight Premier League matches without a win, according to multiple reports.

Ranieri is the second Watford manager to be sacked this season, with the Italian appointed in early October after the club dismissed Xisco Munoz when they were 14th in the table. The club are yet to make an official announcement.

After just two league wins under Ranieri, a 3-0 defeat at home to Norwich on Friday saw Watford drop into the relegation zone.

Watford were leapfrogged by both Norwich and then Newcastle, who beat Leeds on Saturday, meaning the Hornets now sit 19th heading into the winter break.

Ranieri, 70, was Watford’s 14th permanent appointment since the Pozzo family became owners a decade ago.

Watford looking for their 15th permanent manager since 2012-13, which is only three fewer than West Ham have had in their entire history

— Duncan Alexander (@oilysailor) January 24, 2022

Read Also: EPL: Dele Alli axed by Tottenham boss Conte

His three-month reign began poorly with a 5-0 defeat to Liverpool, although a week later he did enjoy a 5-2 victory at Everton.

A couple of 1-0 defeats to Southampton and Arsenal followed before Watford recorded an impressive 4-1 home win over Manchester United on November 20.

That will go down as Ranieri’s final victory as Watford manager. The nine games that followed included seven league defeats, one draw with Newcastle, and a 4-1 loss to Leicester in the FA Cup third round.