Dionisi Labels Sacking Reports 'Fake News' as Watford Struggle
Watford manager Alessio Dionisi dismisses reports he will be sacked as the Hornets sit 22nd in the Championship after a 5-1 defeat at Cardiff.
Alessio Dionisi has described reports that he would lose his job as Watford manager following Tuesday's 5-1 defeat at Cardiff City as "fake news". The Italian, appointed in June, will take charge of Saturday's home game against Charlton Athletic despite Watford sitting 22nd after 10 Championship matches.
The Hornets have lost six of their 10 league games, including all of their past four. The Cardiff loss came days after a similarly heavy defeat to Burnley at Vicarage Road. Dionisi said speculation over his future was "normal" and that he does not decide such matters.
Watford began the season with a three-game unbeaten run, including an opening-day win over Southampton, but have won only one Championship game since, against bottom side Preston.
Reaction to the slump has been pointed. Former Watford owner Elton John said in a now-deleted Instagram post that he was "upset and disappointed" by the club's form. Ex-Watford midfielder Tom Ince told BBC Sounds' 72+ Plus podcast he feared for the club after a "soulless" display at Cardiff.
Dionisi responded with respect to those critics, saying he was sorry for Elton John's feelings and noting that football invites everyone to speak their mind. He added that he has experienced negative and positive moments in 14 years as a coach and is in regular contact with the ownership group, including Gino Pozzo.
The manager stressed unity inside the training ground, saying there is only one mentality and one path for everyone. Watford's next opportunity to reverse their form comes against Charlton.
