Watford manager Alessio Dionisi has dismissed reports that he is about to be sacked, calling them “fake news”. He will take charge of Saturday’s home game against Charlton Athletic.
The talk followed a 5-1 defeat at Cardiff on Tuesday. That came just days after a similarly heavy loss to Burnley at Vicarage Road.
Watford sit 22nd in the Championship after 10 games. They have lost six of them, including the last four. The season began well, with three games unbeaten and an opening-day win over Southampton. Since then the Hornets have won only once in the league, against bottom side Preston.
“I don’t decide”
Dionisi, who was appointed in June, told BBC Three Counties Radio that speculation is normal in his job. He kept his answer careful.
“There is good news, bad news or fake news probably. In this case for the moment, it is fake news. But I don’t decide,” he said.
He added that he is in regular contact with the club’s ownership group, including Gino Pozzo.
Criticism from outside the club
Pressure has also come from familiar names. After the Burnley loss, former Watford owner Elton John said he was “upset and disappointed” with the team’s form. The post on Instagram has since been deleted. Former Watford midfielder Tom Ince spoke on the BBC Sounds podcast 72+ Plus. He said he feared for the club after what he called a “soulless” display at Cardiff.
Dionisi took the comments calmly. “I have a lot of respect for everyone,” he said. He said he did not know Elton John, and was sorry for him. He pointed out that supporters, journalists and many others all have a view on football.
“I have been a coach for 14 years, and it is normal,” Dionisi said. “In my past there was negative and there was positive moments. At the moment it is a negative moment.”
He said the mood inside the training ground is united. “There is only one mentality, only one street for everyone,” he said.
Charlton visit Vicarage Road on Saturday, and Watford will be looking to end their run of four straight defeats.
Source: BBC Sport
