Marco Silva has been sacked by Watford on Sunday.
The 40-year-old former Hull boss had been regarded as one of the outstanding managers of the first half of the Premier League season and was heavily courted by Everton.
However, his side has since endured a dramatic slump that has seen them drop to 10th, just five points above the relegation zone.
On Saturday, the Hornets went tamely down 2-0 to Leicester, although Silva insisted that he did not fear for his position after just one win in 11 matches.
“My position? I don’t lose my focus from the situation,” Silva said. “My job is to work hard, together with my players, to improve. The board know my opinion about everything. It’s not the best moment but the Premier League is 38 games, not only the last 10.”
Watford appear to be pinning the blame of their side’s decline on Everton’s interest in their manager.
“The Club is convinced the appointment of Silva was the right one and had it not been for the unwarranted approach by a Premier League rival for his services we would have continued to prosper under his leadership,” a statement released by the club reads.
“The catalyst for this decision is that unwarranted approach, something which the Board believes has seen a significant deterioration in both focus and results to the point where the long-term future of Watford FC has been jeopardised.
“For the security and success of the football club, the Board believes it has to make a change.
“The Club will seek to make a swift appointment and there will be no further comment until that appointment has been made.”
