Claudio Ranieri took over at Watford at the beginning of October, as the Hornets again decided it was time to change their manager.
At that point, Watford were 15th in the Premier League, and they’ve since dropped down to 17th, just one place above the relegation zone. The Italian has some work on his hands, with the club being just two points ahead of Burnley, who have played a game less.
Last season was the manager’s second year with Sampdoria, and he guided the Genoa club to ninth, parting ways as his contract expired. They’re now in 14th position, and there’s all kinds of crisis around the club.
Speaking to Italian newspaper La Repubblica, via SampNews24, Ranieri was asked about his exit from the club, and when answering he revealed he’s being paid a lot less at Watford than he was at the Serie A side.
The Watford boss is quoted as saying: “It was not an economic question, here I earn much less. When Ferrero (the club president) got me and Sampdoria was in dire straits, I saw him enthusiastic. When the work was done, his face changed, so I preferred to leave. I am willing to accept problematic situations but I have to feel movement, otherwise it is useless for me to stay.”
To earn less in charge of a Premier League club than at Sampdoria is certainly a surprise, and that Ranieri was ready to accept a comparatively low salary shows how keen he was to return to English football.
On his situation at Watford, he explained: “For us, the real championship has started now. Lost the first battle, many others remain and we must be ready. It is important to react immediately. After City I congratulated the boys, last Friday the setback happened in an incredible way with too many mistakes in the final part. However, we achieved fantastic performances and three points, I saw a new spirit, we never gave up, the fans are happy. But that’s not enough. Every situation is a struggle. The immediate goal is salvation. Then, you have to grow. I like to sow. I found a super organised club. There is trust.”
