Hodgson, former Liverpool, England, and Crystal Palace boss, has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Ranieri
By Kehinde Okeowo
Watfords’ Italian gaffer, Claudio Ranieri has been sacked by the club’s management after taking charge of 14 Premier League games.
Ranieri was hired by the relegation-threatened side in October to replace Xisco Munoz after the Spaniard’s poor showing.
But the Italian took just 7 points out of the possible 42, and as a result, the Hornets have been dragged into the relegation dogfight.
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The 70-year-old has now paid the price just after 112 days after his appointment, as the club now sits in the 19th position on the league table after losing 3-0 against relegation rivals Norwich.
Asked about his future after the loss to the Canaries, the former Leicester manager said: “I don’t go away. I want to continue because I am a fighter. I’ve never given up in my career.”
He was in charge of two Nigerian players, Willaim Troost-Ekong and Emmanuel Dennis. But for his sack, he would have added Super Eagles’ goalkeeper Maduka Okoye to the list.
In a statement confirming Ranieri’s departure on Monday evening, Watford said: “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.”
But According to Sky Sports, Watford are close to appointing Roy Hodgson as their new head coach to replace the sacked Claudio Ranieri.
A deal for the former Liverpool, England, and Crystal Palace boss is thought to be imminent, and he could begin work as early as Tuesday.
Hodgson has been out of work since leaving Crystal Palace at the end of the 2020/2021 season.
