Watford has swung the ax on yet another manager as Xisco Munoz was sacked just seven games into the Premier League season after their 1-0 loss to Leeds United.
Xisco Munoz was hired 10 months ago and guided Watford to an immediate return to the top flight. However, the “ruthless” board has decided to pull the trigger after a poor recent run that has seen them lose four times making him the seventh boss to bite the dust in the last five years.
Munoz departs with Watford in 14th place on seven points – four above the drop zone after two wins, one draw and four losses.
In a statement, the club said, “Watford FC confirms Xisco Munoz has left his post as the club’s Head Coach”.
‘The Board feels recent performances strongly indicate a negative trend at a time when team cohesion should be visibly improving”.
‘The Hornets will always be grateful to Xisco for the part he played in securing last season’s promotion and wish him well for his future career in football”.
‘No further club comment will be available until the imminent announcement of a new Head Coach.’
Watford finished the 2020-21 Championship season with 91 points under Munoz’s leadership, finishing as runners up to Norwich City.
That impressive run looked to be continuing into the new Premier League campaign as they caused a shock by downing Villa in the season opener, but results have looked shaky ever since.
They lost their next three games in a row against Brighton, Tottenham and Wolves before beating relegation rivals Norwich 3-1, a draw against Newcastle and then a loss to Marcelo Bielsa’s men, leaving them in 14th in the league.
Munoz became the 17th boss to take charge of the club in the reign of owner Gino Pozzo, who has never been afraid of sacking a manager when things are going badly.