Watford aren’t a club that believes in the long-term – at least when it comes to their managers. When you become their manager, it’s best not to unpack all your bags – because you probably won’t last there long.Watford’s owners, the Pozzo family, have already changed 14 (fourteen!) managers since they took over at the club in 2012. Their latest appointment? Oh, it’s certainly a high-profile one! The Hornets have appointed Claudio Ranieri as their new manager after sacking Xisco Munoz on Sunday. The Spaniard, who was relieved of his duties after Saturday’s 1-0 defeat by Leeds, is the first Premier League manager to lose his job this season.16 October, 14.30: (10.0) Watford (5.70) Liverpool (1.33)Now the Pozzos and Watford’s worried supporters need the legendary Ranieri to provide the goods – and quick! The Italian’s first job in English football was with Chelsea in 2000. He stayed there four years and improved the Blues’ points total in every season in charge of the Stamford Bridge club. However, Ranieri’s best-publicised period in England was as boss of Leicester City. The Foxes had battled relegation the season prior to Ranieri’s arrival at the King Power Stadium, but the 69-year-old oversaw an incredible 2015/16 campaign in which they defied odds of 5000/1 to lift the Premier League trophy as champions.From Leicester, he took a season away from the Premier League, in Nantes, before returning to take charge of Fulham in 2018. He only lasted 106 days as the Cottagers sacked him with the club facing relegation.Claudio Ranieri has signed his contract as new Watford FC manager, confirmed. Two years deal. After being approached by many Italian clubs, Ranieri joins Watford. 🟡🇮🇹 #WatfordFC pic.twitter.com/L95D5iqtwT— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 4, 2021 This time around, winning the title won’t be on the Italian’s radar – at least not initially! Ranieri’s task is to improve Watford’s league form as they sit 14th after taking seven points from as many Premier League games.To show faith in their compatriot, the Pozzo family have handed the team’s new head coach a two-year contract. Call us cynical, but we don’t think he’ll last that long – no matter how he does. But there will be time to deal with that later. For now, it’s time for another miracle, Claudio!
