In the final hours before being fired as Watford manager, Valerien Ismael had little positive to say about Coventry City. Maybe it was sour grapes, or maybe he just knew what was going to happen.
Play-off contenders under Mark Robins overcame a goal deficit at Vicarage Road to win 2-1 and finally put an end to Ismael’s career after he had only one league victory in his previous ten games.
Instead of concentrating on his own club, which hasn’t won at Vicarage Road since November 28, Ismael chose to criticize the Sky Blues, maybe in light of the Watford owners’ lack of tolerance for ineffective managers.
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It didn’t help him at all, as the Pozzo family’s 20th management appointment at Watford was terminated. Watford played 41 games under Ismael’s supervision; they won 12, lost 15, and drew 14.
On Saturday, two strikes from Haji Wright proved to be the difference for Coventry. The American international scored a calm victory in the 72nd minute after well stopping Ryan Porteous’ headed opening goal in the 40th.
Watford’s performance belied their recent bad run of play, so the outcome was harsh on them, but they now risk getting drawn into the Championship relegation struggle.
Regarding Ismael’s assessment, the former manager of West Brom and Barnsley stated: “We finally got off to a strong start in a home game.” We had numerous opportunities. We ought to have taken the lead with a second goal, but they unexpectedly won the penalty.
It’s unfortunate that despite our best efforts in the second half, they managed to score on their lone attempt on goal. We tried, at least. Today, we saw nothing from Coventry.
It was just one of those days when everything didn’t go your way. We were hazardous and we didn’t stop pushing, but when things don’t work out the way you expect, you start overanalyzing again. We are confident in our ability to compete, but confidence is also a factor.
Later on Saturday night, the club released the following statement: “Tom Cleverley will take over as Vicarage Road’s temporary head coach.
“This comes after Watford FC terminated Valerien Ismael’s contract following today’s home loss to Coventry City.
The Hornets express their gratitude to Valerien and his team for their devotion and hard work. The club’s board, however, believes that the timing is right to make a modification in order to get better outcomes.
After six seasons at Watford, Cleverley, an England and Manchester United midfielder, announced his retirement from competition last summer and joined the coaching staff of the team.
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