Coventry City boss Frank Lampard says the speculation about Tom Cleverley's future as Watford head coach is an unfortunate pitfall of management.
The Hornets issued a statement on Thursday night dismissing reports that Cleverley could be facing the sack, with ex-Villarreal boss Jose Rojo Martin, known as Pacheta, reportedly lined up as his successor.
The suggestion that Cleverly is at risk of losing his job at Vicarage Road comes after Tuesday's 2-1 home defeat by Preston North End - which was their fifth loss in seven games in all competitions.
Despite the run, Watford are just two places and one point outside the Championship play-off spots going into Saturday's game against Lampard's Sky Blues.