Watford manager Alessio Dionisi has firmly denied being sacked, calling the reports 'fake news' as the club faces intense scrutiny following heavy defeats and public criticism from Sir Elton John. The club's honorary life president and former owner said he was very upset and disappointed at Watford's decline over recent weeks, particularly after a 4-0 home loss to Burnley.
Elton John, a lifetime supporter who owned the club in two separate spells, shared his frustration in a now-deleted social media post. He said he really felt for the other supporters who have to watch the team's current struggles. Fans online echoed his sentiments, with one noting the club is now unrecognisable from the era when John and Graham Taylor were at the helm.
Watford's relegation battle intensifies
The criticism comes as Watford sit 20th in the Championship, having taken just 11 points from their first 11 games. Their recent form reads one win and four losses, a run that includes a 5-1 thrashing at Cardiff and that 4-0 defeat to Burnley where all the goals came in the first half. The team has conceded 19 goals this season, the second-worst defensive record in the division.
Dionisi, who signed a two-year deal in June and is the 12th manager under Gino Pozzo's ownership, took responsibility for the slide. After the Cardiff loss, he apologised to supporters and stated it was impossible to find anything positive from a match where his side was 3-0 down after just 25 minutes. He acknowledged the current negative moment in his 14-year coaching career but insisted he remains in charge.
Manager Dionisi denies sacking claims
The manager directly addressed the speculation surrounding his future. Dionisi stated he was not sacked during the Cardiff match and confirmed he remains in his role. He has also apologised specifically to Elton John for the team's performances. The club's owners have shown restraint despite the poor results, though pressure has increased significantly. Around 500 travelling fans showed their discontent at Cardiff, while supporters at Vicarage Road chanted 'Sack the board' and booed the team after the Burnley game.
Watford's only league win in their last five attempts was a 2-0 victory over Charlton Athletic last week, with goals from Luca Kjerrumgaard and Jordan Zemura. That result offered a brief respite but did little to alter the broader picture of a team that has won only three of its last 21 Championship matches. The immediate focus shifts to a tough away fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, 24 October. Dionisi will lead the team at Molineux as Watford seek to climb away from the relegation zone.
Read the full report at The Guardian Football
