Watford sack Xisco Munoz following defeat to Leeds United at Elland Road

Xisco Munoz has been sacked as Watford boss the morning after defeat to Leeds United at Elland Road.
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Newly-promoted Watford approached Saturday's clash at Leeds sat 12th in the Premier League table having taken seven points from their first six games, including victories at Norwich City and at home to Aston Villa on the opening day.

The Hornets were condemned to a fourth defeat of the season as Diego Llorente's 18th-minute strike from a corner proved the only goal of the game and Spanish boss Munoz has been sacked the following morning.

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A club statement released by Watford on Sunday morning read: "Watford FC confirms Xisco Muñoz has left his post as the club's head coach.

GONE: Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Leeds United at Elland Road, above, proved the final game in charge of Watford for Xisco Munoz, left, who found himself sacked the following morning. Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images.GONE: Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Leeds United at Elland Road, above, proved the final game in charge of Watford for Xisco Munoz, left, who found himself sacked the following morning. Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images.
GONE: Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Leeds United at Elland Road, above, proved the final game in charge of Watford for Xisco Munoz, left, who found himself sacked the following morning. Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images.

"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."

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Reports then emerged on Sunday afternoon that Watford were in talks with former title-winning Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri about taking over from Munoz.

Sky Sports Italia are reporting that Ranieri will sign as the new Hornets boss on Monday.

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Thank you Laura Collins

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