Claudio Ranieri is on the verge of taking over Watford and beginning his fourth stint in the Premier League. The Hornets sacked coach Xisco Munoz yesterday. The Pozzo family, which also owns Udinese, have chosen the veteran manager to try remedying to a rough start. Barring a late twist, he will ink a two-year contract later today, La Gazzetta dello Sport reports.
Ranieri is coming off a solid two-season spell at Sampdoria. He avoided relegation after taking over in October in 2019-2020, while he finished ninth in the most recent campaign. He decided to move on and not re-up with the Blucerchiati last summer. The veteran did not do so well in his last stay in England. He lasted only a few months at Fulham, collecting three wins, three draws, and ten losses between late 2018 and early 2019.
Claudio Ranieri has been approached by many Italian clubs in the last few weeks. He was waiting for new chances and he’s now prepared to accept Watford proposal to replace Xisco. ??? #WatfordFC @SkySport
Sir Claudio’s set for Premier League return. pic.twitter.com/X7HoUnl5wd
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 3, 2021
Watford currently sit in 15th position. They have prevailed just once in the past six rounds against Norwich, suffering four defeats, at the hands of Brighton, Tottenham, Wolverhampton, and Leeds United.
Ranieri is best known for overcoming the odds and winning the Premier League in stunning fashion in 2015-2016. In England, he previously managed also Chelsea from 2000 to 2004. He concluded his last season at the helm in second position.
The 70-year-old gaffer coached Cagliari, Napoli, Fiorentina, Valencia, Atletico Madrid, Parma, Juventus, Roma, Inter, Monaco, Nantes, and the Greek national team during the course of his lengthy career. He took home the Coppa Italia with the Viola and Copa del Rey with Los Murcielagos.