Under pressure Dionisi addresses sacking ‘fake news’

Watford manager Alessio Dionisi called reports that he was about to be sacked “fake news” after the team’s 5-1 defeat by Cardiff. Under pressure following a fourth consecutive league loss, he will still lead Watford in Saturday’s home match against Charlton.

Watford are 22nd in the Championship after 10 games, with six defeats and just one win since an unbeaten opening run of three matches. Dionisi, appointed in June, said speculation about his future was normal and that he remained in regular contact with the club’s ownership, including Gino Pozzo; former owner Elton John and ex-midfielder Tom Ince have also criticised recent performances.