SACKED FOR NOT SPEAKING ENGLISH

Mazzarri fired after rows, crash in form and language failure

WALTER MAZZARRI was axed by Watford after failing to learn English.

The Italian was ordered to speak English in public by last Christmas, but continued to use an interpreter.

A run of five defeats in five matches was the last straw for Hornets bosses and when he arrived for training yesterday he was given his marching

orders – he will leave after Sunday’s game with Manchester City.

The 55-year-old has been unpopular with the players and had several rows, including one on Sunday night – 24 hours before the Premier League defeat by Chelsea – which saw a stand-off over tactics.

Mazzarri, who had axed fans’ favourite and captain Troy Deeney, was unable to engage with supporters because of his language problems.

The Italian, who had regular English lessons, pointed out that Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino used an interpreter when he was at Southampton.

But his cause was not helped by Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, his fellow Italian, who conducted interviews in English despite little language training.

Watford want Hull boss Marco Silva (right) to succeed Mazzarri but fear he may have a bigger club in his sights.

Ex-Russia boss Leonid Slutsky is also on their radar but they have ruled out the possibility of former Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri taking charge.