The Pozzo family’s sacking tendencies are known by many football fans by now. Watford have become the team synonymous with a constant rotation of managers.
Following Watford’s draw against Coventry City, Adam Leventhal of the Athletic reported of discontent amongst players and concern from the hierarchy. So, how long does Xisco Munoz have left?
Xisco Munoz Staring at the Axe
Worst Case Scenario for Xisco Munoz
Don Goodman of the Sky Sports EFL Podcast believes Munoz might only have two or three matches left at Vicarage Road. That, however, may still be considered generous.
Vladimir Ivic’s sacking came after a draw against Brentford which followed by defeat to Huddersfield Town. Munoz has now gone longer without a win than Ivic did before being sacked. The Spanish head coach, who was appointed soon after Ivic’s sacking, claimed the Hornets would change tactics. The tactics from the last match were not much different from the tactics in the draw against Millwall and defeat against Queens Park Rangers.
If Watford fail to improve against a Bristol City side that have suffered three straight losses, then it is hard to see Munoz keeping his job. After all, the Pozzo’s do not have much time to find a new head coach. Automatic promotion is the goal this season, with promotion through the playoffs sufficing as well. But, if the Pozzo’s feel Munoz cannot orchestrate either, the change would have to come sooner than later.
Xisco Munoz’s Outlook if Victorious on Saturday
Watford turning the tide on Saturday and picking up three points surely buys Munoz more time (unless the win is so undeserved that the Pozzo’s consider it to be a regressive performance).
If a string of results come together, Munoz’s back would no longer be against the wall until poor form hits again. If no truly poor form hits but Watford are not promoted (especially if they narrowly miss the playoffs), then the Spaniard will likely not be Watford’s manager next season. His contract expires in the summer.
What if Xisco Munoz Guides Watford to Promotion?
Promotion does not even mean Munoz will be in charge next year in the Premier League. The last time Watford were promoted, Slavisa Jokanovic – the man at the helm – did not manage Watford the following season. Like Munoz, his contract expired in the summer. Even after promotion, the hierarchy did not want to give Jokanovic what he was asking for.
So, the best chance at being Watford’s head coach next season is through promotion. However, Munoz maintaining his job if that happens is not even a guarantee-.
The most unlikely scenario is that the Pozzo’s have changed their whole philosophy (which is impossible to imagine at this moment), in which case Munoz’s job would be much more secure than it is speculated as being.
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