Walter Mazzarri to leave Watford at the end of the season after manager decides to 'step down'
The club issued a statement on Wednesday to confirm his departure
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Watford manager Walter Mazzarri will "step down" at the end of the season after a string of poor results and a rift developing in the dressing room, the Premier League club have confirmed.
A club statement issued by the club’s chairman, Scott Duxbury, read: “After the board discussed with Walter Mazzarri the club’s future goals and aspirations, it was decided he will be stepping down from his position as the club’s head coach after the final game of the 2016/17 season.
“We thank Walter and his staff for the contribution they have made to Watford Football Club over the past year.”
Mazzarri’s final game in charge of the Hornets will be at Vicarage Road against Manchester City this Sunday, with the side sitting 16th in the Premier League table with 40 points and, crucially, well clear of the relegation zone after Hull, Middlesbrough and Sunderland were already condemned to the drop.
While Mazzarri achieved his main aim of securing another season in the Premier League, the campaign has not been without its problems. The relationship between the manager and his captain, Troy Deeney, has proven a strained one with the Italian coach electing to drop the striker from his starting line-up at times, while a number of players are said to have grown unhappy with Mazzarri’s fiery style of management.
Results have also dropped off dramatically since Watford hit the 40-point mark as a run of five consecutive defeats, the most recent of which came in the 4-3 loss at Chelsea on Monday night, means that Watford could yet finish the season in 17th place – just one place above relegation – should they lose to City and see Swansea beat West Bromwich Albion.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments