Claudio Ranieri replaces Xisco Munoz at Watford

 

Claudio Ranieri was announced on Monday as the successor to Xisco Munoz after the Portuguese was fired following a 1-0 loss at Leeds United. (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

Following Xisco Munoz shock sacking on Sunday at Watford, the London club has announced the signing of former Chelsea and Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri on a three year deal.

The Hornets parted ways with Munoz after what they described as a “pattern that doesn’t match club’s ambitions”, Watford have seven points from seven league games this season and their last result was a 1-0 reverse at Leeds United.

The Italian manager is the 13^th since the Pozzo family took over at the club in 2012 with names like Walter Mazzarri, Quique Flores Sanchez, Jarvi Gracia and Marco Silva to name only a few.

Ranieri’s first game in charge will be at Vicarage Road against Liverpool when the league resumes on the 16^th of October. The departed Munoz was emotional in his statement after the shocking decision to relieve him of his duties at Watford.

"I've got nothing but words of gratitude for the club that gave me the opportunity to start my first adventure in this exciting country.

"My heartfelt thanks to the players to put blind faith and believing in me and my staff from the first moment so that together we could achieve the dream of promotion to the Premier League.

"And many thanks to all the members of the club who don't appear on the photos, because they are essential for the proper functioning of this team. You made my life so much easier.

"Finally, I would like to make a special shout out to the fans. It's only been a year, but I will never forget its intensity and the treatment you have always given me over the year. I will always be a Watford FC fan."