Ismael got more time than most Watford head coaches but concerns over playing style and the threat of relegation proved too much
The surprise was not that Valerien Ismael was sacked, more that it had taken so long. This is , after all — a club that has hired and fired 19 permanent head coaches in 12 years, including 10 in the last three and a half. But this time was different because they had tried desperately to stick with Ismael. Form, a genuine fear of relegation and a week that included inadvertent public ridicule from their last opponents proved too much.
The 48-year-old has not stayed long in jobs over the last few years — Watford was his fifth role since 2019 — and some staff members’ words of warning before his appointment at Vicarage Road also started to ring true. Ismael favoured a 4-3-3 system, with Livermore shielding the back four and — arguably the club’s most promising talent — not playing a central role where he could influence the game more.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Watford appoint Tom Cleverley as interim head coach after Valerien Ismael sackedWatford have appointed former midfielder Tom Cleverley as interim head coach following the dismissal of Valerien Ismael. Ismael, 48, was dismissed following Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at home to Coventry City in the Championship.
Read more »
Former Manchester United Premier League winner takes charge of Watford following Valerien Ismael sacking...ZANDVOORT, NETHERLANDS – SEPTEMBER 03: Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner and Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing look on from the garage during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of The Netherlands at Circuit Zandvoort on September 03, 2022 in Zandvoort, Netherlands.
Read more »
Former Man United man Tom Cleverley takes interim charge of WatfordWatford have sacked head coach Valerien Ismael following Saturday's 2-1 home defeat by Coventry and placed former Man United midfielder Tom Cleverley in interim charge.
Read more »
Cleverley named interim Watford boss as Ismael sackedWatford sack boss Valerien Ismael after a run of one win in 10 league games, with Tom Cleverley named as interim head coach.
Read more »
Watford SACK Valerien Ismael as boss and hand ex-Man Utd star Tom Cleverley first job in management...
Read more »
Tom Cleverley reveals Sir Alex Ferguson phone call as ex-Man United man named Watford bossSome stellar advice from Sir Alex Ferguson as Cleverley takes on the role as Watford interim head coach
Read more »