Watford have handed head coach Valerien Ismael a contract extension despite slipping to 20th in the Championship after one win in the past eight games.
The 48-year-old took charge at Vicarage Road in May, becoming the Hornets' eighth boss since the end of 2020.
"It's true we haven't achieved the points we would like yet," said sporting director Cristiano Giaretta.
"But it's the work and the progress we can see that gives us great confidence."
Frenchman Ismael's reign got off to a flying start with a 4-0 opening-day home win over QPR but four defeats in their past seven matches have left the Hornets just a point above the bottom three.