Watford boss Xisco Munoz leaves club just seven games into campaign as club search for NINTH manager in three years

XISCO MUNOZ has left Watford following the defeat to Leeds at Elland Road on Saturday.

The Spaniard, 41, guided the Hornets back to the Premier League at the first time of asking last season.

But he has departed the club after picking up two wins from his opening seven Premier League matches.

Watford are now on the search for their ninth manager in just three years.

The club released a statement saying: "Watford FC confirms Xisco Muñoz has left his post as the club's Head Coach.

"The Board feels recent performances strongly indicate a negative trend at a time when team cohesion should be visibly improving.

"The Hornets will always be grateful to Xisco for the part he played in securing last season's promotion and wish him well for his future career in football.

"No further club comment will be available until the imminent announcement of a new Head Coach."

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Another Spaniard, Diego Martinez – who managed Granada between 2018-2021 – is the even favourite to take over.

Quique Sancho Flores is also linked to return to Watford for a second time at 12/1, while Eddie Howe is at 10/1.

Other candidates include Chris Hughton at 8/1 and Chris Wilder at14/1.

There have been several managerial changes at Vicarage Road since the Pozzo family took over in June 2012.

Watford's next boss will be the 14th manager appointed by the Italians in the nine years they have owned the club.

Munoz leaves boasting the best win percentage of any Watford manager ever with 58 per cent.

The Spaniard got off to a great start to life in the Premier League with a convincing 3-2 win over Aston Villa.

But performances and results soon dropped off, with Watford putting in a lacklustre showing at Leeds.

Their only other win was against bottom-of-the-table Norwich, and they would have lost to winless Newcastle last week if Jacob Murphy had finished a glorious chance late on.

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