Watford manager Alessio Dionisi has dismissed reports regarding his dismissal as "fake news" in the wake of a chastening 5-1 loss at Cardiff on Tuesday. The heavy reverse in the Welsh capital arrived just days after another crushing defeat against Burnley at Vicarage Road. Despite the growing pressure, the Italian tactician is set to remain in the dugout to take charge of Saturday's home fixture against Charlton Athletic.
The Hornets have slumped to 22nd place in the Championship standings after 10 matches, having lost six games overall and each of their last four. It marks a stark decline following a bright beginning to the campaign, where Watford opened with a three-game unbeaten streak that included an opening-day win over Southampton. Since then, the side has secured just one Championship victory, which came against bottom club Preston.
The team's ongoing struggles have drawn criticism from prominent observers, with former owner Elton John sharing on a now-deleted Instagram post that he was "upset and disappointed" with Watford's form. Former Hornets midfielder Tom Ince also expressed concern on BBC Sounds' 72+ Plus podcast, stating that he feared for the club following what he termed a "soulless" performance at Cardiff. Dionisi responded by noting that criticism is part of the game, adding that throughout his 14-year coaching career he has experienced both positive and negative phases.
Addressing the ongoing speculation surrounding his role, Dionisi told BBC Three Counties Radio: "There is good news, bad news or fake news probably. In this case for the moment, it is fake news. But I don't decide." The manager, who was appointed to the post in June, affirmed that he stays in frequent contact with Watford's ownership, including Gino Pozzo, insisting that "inside the training ground there is only one mentality, only one street for everyone."