Newly promoted Premier League side Watford have confirmed the arrival of Claudio Ranieri as their new manager following the dismissal of Spanish tactician Xisco. Italian manager Ranieri was made the new Watford earlier this week after Xisco lost his job on the back of the 1-0 defeat at the hands of Leeds United in the Hornets’ last league game last week Saturday.

Xisco and Watford had gone two games without defeat before the Leeds United game at Elland Road as he made some changes to his starting line-up last month after a run of three straight defeats especially in defence. Xisco restored Ben Foster in goal and his return coincided with the Hornets' best run in the new Premier League season.

Veteran England goalkeeper Ben Foster was in goal as Watford recorded four points from two games against Norwich City (3-1 away win) and Newcastle United (1-1 home draw). Ben Foster was also in goal during the defeat to Leeds United and it remains to be seen if the England international will retain his place in the starting team ahead of Austrian international Daniel Bachmann and Rob Elliot when Ranieri takes charge starting with the home game against Liverpool next week.
Ranieri is a popular manager in the Premier League having taken charge of several teams including Chelsea, Fulham and Leicester City. His biggest achievement as a football manager was when he led Leicester City to an unlikely Premier League title during the 2015/16 season. Against all odds, the Foxes pounced on the inconsistent form of the traditional big teams to win their first league title.
Watford have seven points from their first six league games ahead of the Liverpool clash at the Vicarage Road later this month. Ranieri takes charge of the Hornets with a four-point cushion over the relegation zone.