Zimpapers Logo

LONDON. — Watford have sacked manager Marco Silva after winning just one of their last 11 English Premier League soccer matches and have blamed Everton for his departure.

The Portuguese coach was targeted as a replacement for Ronald Koeman at Goodison Park but Watford refused to allow their promising young coach to leave despite a £15m compensation package.

Silva had Watford within a few points of the top four at the start of the season and was thought to be keen on a move to Everton – who ultimately hired Sam Allardyce. He tellingly refused to commit his future to the club and Watford’s form quickly deteriorated, collecting just 11 points from a possible 45 after Koeman’s sacking in October.

And the Hornets have been scathing about the effect of Everton’s unwanted approach on their season. — The Telegraph