Walter Mazzarri sacked by Watford with Italian boss to leave at the end of the season

WALTER MAZZARRI has been sacked by Watford and will leave at the end of the season.

The chain-smoking Italian has seen his side slide down the table after five straight defeats.

6

And the trigger-happy Pozzo family have now decided that enough is enough.

Keep up to date with all the latest news, gossip, rumours and done deals in SunSport's live transfer blog

Mazzarri is now to leave his post as a manager after Watford's final game of the season at home to Manchester City on Sunday.

Mazzarri has come under fire from fans for his negative style of play and lack of English, conducting his interviews through a translator.

READ SUNSPORT'S EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH WALTER MAZZARRI

6

The Hornets had not scored away from home in two and a half months before netting three in Monday's defeat at Chelsea.

The 55-year-old took over when Quique Sanchez Flores was sacked at the end of the last season, despite defying the odds to keep the club in the Premier League.

Mazzarri got off to a fine start in the league, having taken over on a three-year deal.

But results have fallen away, with senior players becoming disillusioned with his methods.

6

MOST READ IN FOOTBALL

PHYSIO ROOM

Injuries & suspensions update for GW20: Cole Palmer, Diogo Jota among doubts

THIERR HE GOES

Thierry Henry lined up for return to management after Belgium boss sacked

'WHAT ON EARTH?'

Former Prem & World Cup star, 35, stuns fans after joining non-league club

GARNA GET HIM

Chelsea 'plot shock transfer for Man Utd star Garnacho' to replace Nkunku

6

Troy Deeney has not seen eye to eye with his boss and was expected to leave the club in the summer.

And there have been reports that players were set to ask for moves at the end of the season should the unpopular Mazzarri have stayed.

Sacked Leicester hero Claudio Ranieri is the early favourite with the bookies.

6

6

Hull boss Marco Silva is also in the running, along with former Russia boss Leonid Slutsky.

Hornets chairman Scott Duxbury said in a statement statement: “After the board discussed with Walter Mazzarri the club’s future goals and aspirations, it was decided he will be stepping down from his position as the club’s head coach after the final game of the 2016/17 season.

“We thank Walter and his staff for the contribution they have made to Watford Football Club over the past year.”