Watford sack Ismael after Coventry defeat

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.”

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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.

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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