Claudio Ranieri under increasing pressure at Watford with the Hornets having suffered eight defeats in ten games since the Italian took charge and the club facing battle to avoid relegation

Claudio Ranieri is under growing pressure to turn Watford’s season around amid doubts over his suitability as head coach.

Sportsmail has learned that there is emerging disquiet from inside the Hornets first-team camp over the Italian’s methods just three months into his tenure following his appointment in October.

Watford have lost eight of the 10 matches Ranieri has been in charge - a dismal return that leaves the club just two points clear of the relegation zone.

In usual circumstances, a Watford boss would be under severe threat from the sack following such a poor sequence of results given the Pozzo family’s penchant for dismissing managers.