Under pressure Dionisi addresses sacking 'fake news'

What the report says

Watford manager Alessio Dionisi has dismissed reports that he was about to be sacked after the club’s 5-1 Championship defeat at Cardiff as “fake news”, according to BBC Sport Football. The comments come after a difficult run for the Hornets, who have lost six of their first 10 league matches and sit 22nd in the table, having also suffered a heavy home defeat to Burnley shortly before the trip to Wales.

Dionisi, appointed in June, told BBC Three Counties Radio that speculation about his future was normal in football but said the reports were not true at present. He added that he does not control the final decision and said he was in regular contact with the club’s ownership group, including Gino Pozzo. Despite the pressure, he is expected to remain in charge for Saturday’s home game against Charlton Athletic.

Watford began the season with three unbeaten matches, including a win on opening day against Southampton, but have won only once in the league since then, against Preston. BBC Sport also noted wider criticism around the club after former owner Elton John and ex-midfielder Tom Ince voiced concern over recent performances. The situation underlines the growing scrutiny on Watford as they try to halt their poor run and stabilise their season.