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Watford target ex-Bayer Leverkusen boss Roger Schmidt following Walter Mazzarri’s sacking

Pozzo family want to appoint a boss to plays attacking football and is fluent in speaking English

Richard Forrester

Published: 12:01, 23 May 2017

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WATFORD want former Bayer Leverkusen boss Roger Schmidt to replace Walter Mazzarri.

Italian gaffer Mazzarri was sacked by the Hornets following a disappointing 17th place finish in their league campaign.

Roger Schmidt has emerged as Watford's number one candidate — Roger Schmidt has emerged as Watford's number one candidateCredit: AP:Associated Press

And the Watford hierachy have identified the German coach as their number one target to take charge this summer.

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Schmidt, 50, has been without a club since his sacking at the Bundesliga side in March.

But he is keen for a swift return to management and wants a crack at the Premier League.

Schmidt won the Austrian league and domestic cup with Red Bull Salzburg in the 2013/14 campaign before he was appointed Leverkusen's new boss.

The match will be Walter Mazzarri's last as Watford boss — Walter Mazzarri was given the axe after Watford's disappointing campaignCredit: Getty Images

Roger Schmidt guided Red Bull Salzberg to the domestic double — Roger Schmidt guided Red Bull Salzberg to the domestic doubleCredit: EPA

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Claudio Ranieri has been linked with the vacant Watford role — Claudio Ranieri has been linked with the vacant Watford roleCredit: PA:Press Association

Watford's owners, the Pozzo family, are keen to appoint a boss who plays attacking football and can speak fluent English.

Mazzarri's failure to learn the language proved a huge criticism during his time at Vicarage Road.

Hull's Marco Silva remains another option following the Tiger's relegation to the Championship whilst Claudio Ranieri and Alan Pardew have also been linked.

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