Perhaps Claudio Ranieri knew what was coming from day dot.
Maybe that's why he chose not to fully engage with Watford's players during his 112 days in charge at Vicarage Road.
He was rarely seen in the training ground canteen, the central hub of the club's London Colney base. He kept his dignity and was gentleman to the very last; polite and charming to those he crossed paths with. But his heart wasn't in it; that was clear.
His sacking on Monday came as no surprise. Sportsmail revealed on New Year's Day that he was heading for the sack amid doubts over his suitability as head coach.