Watford sack boss Valerien Ismael and place Tom Cleverley in interim charge

Watford have sacked head coach Valerien Ismael following Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat by Coventry and placed former midfielder Tom Cleverley in interim charge.

The Hornets were beaten 2-1 by the Sky Blues to leave them 13th in the Sky Bet Championship, well adrift of the play-off places and seven points above the relegation zone.

Ex-Barnsley and West Brom boss Ismael had been appointed to the job at Vicarage Road in May and signed a contract extension in October, but he has paid the price for a poor run of form.

Ismael was the 20th managerial appointment under the Pozzo family. Of his 41 games in charge, Watford won 12 and lost 15, with 14 draws.

A statement from the club on Saturday evening read: “Tom Cleverley will assume the position of interim head coach at Vicarage Road.

“This follows Watford FC terminating the contract of Valerien Ismael after today’s home defeat to Coventry City.

“The Hornets thank Valerien and his staff for their dedication and commitment. However, the club’s board considers it an appropriate time to make a change in order to improve results.

“Tom Cleverley’s staff will be confirmed in due course.”

Former Manchester United and England midfielder Cleverley retired from playing last summer after six seasons with Watford and took up a role on the club’s coaching staff.

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Watford lie 13th in the Championship, seven points above the relegation zone after Saturday's 2-1 loss to Coventry; the Hornets have installed Tom Cleverley as interim manager in his first senior managerial post; Cleverley is Watford's 21st manager since the Pozzo family took over

Saturday 9 March 2024 23:38, UK

Watford have sacked Valerien Ismael as manager
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Watford have sacked Valerien Ismael as manager
Watford have sacked manager Valerien Ismael after Saturday's defeat to Coventry City.

The Hornets were beaten by promotion hopefuls Coventry 2-1 at Vicarage Road despite taking the lead, to leave the club 13th in the Championship - seven points above the relegation zone and 13 points off the play-offs.

Former Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley, who is an Under-18 academy coach, has been put in interim charge.

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A club statement from Watford read: "The Hornets thank Valerien and his staff for their dedication and commitment, however the club's board considers it an appropriate time to make a change in order to improve results."


Highlights of the Sky Bet Championship match between Watford and Coventry City.
Ismael was appointed as Watford manager in the summer, replacing Chris Wilder as manager.

But recent results have seen Watford win just once in their last 12 matches, with that sole victory coming against Championship bottom club Rotherham. That barren run included a run of seven defeats in their last nine games.

Ismael was Watford's 20th different manager since the Pozzo family took control of the club in 2020.

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Watford's next game is a trip to Birmingham next Saturday, kick-off at 3pm.

Ismael's last words as Watford manager
Watford's Valerien Ismael speaking after Saturday's 2-1 loss to Coventry:

"Finally we started strong in a home game and we continued from the second half against Swansea. We took the decision to have a mobile midfield again and had a great start with lots of chances.

"We should have scored a second goal, but then from nowhere they got the penalty. In the second half we continued to push, but they scored from their only shot on target, so it's a real pity today.

"But we saw good energy and good dynamic on the pitch to change the way things are going at the minute.

"We had some crosses too high, some crosses too low, some crosses blocked, but at least we tried and our game was back.

"We didn't see anything from Coventry today. It was just one of those days when things run against you.

"We kept pushing and we were dangerous, but when things don't go your way, you start to think too much again. We know that we can compete, but it is about confidence, too."

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