Watford sack Quique Sanchez Flores and begin search for third manager of the season

Defeat to Southampton on Saturday evening proved the final straw as the Spaniard’s second spell at Vicarage Road ended with just one win in his 10 games in charge

Sanchez Flores leaves after just 10 matches in charge (AFP/Getty)

Watford have sacked Quique Sanchez Flores as they begin their search for a third manager of the season after just 14 games.

Defeat to Southampton on Saturday evening, a game which they led until 78 minutes before going down 2-1, proved the final straw as the Spaniard’s second spell at Vicarage Road ended with just one win in his 10 games in charge.

Sanchez Flores was only reappointed back in September following the dismissal of fellow countryman Javi Gracia.

"Quique is a man of great integrity and it was clear how much he wanted to have a positive impact, but ultimately results have dictated our decision," said chairman & CEO Scott Duxbury.

"The appointment of a new head coach is imminent, and with nearly two-thirds of the season remaining, we will provide all the support necessary to make the coming months successful."

Saturday’s defeat leaves the Hornets bottom of the Premier League on eight points already six adrift of safety.

Following the game at St Mary’s, Sanchez Flores admitted he was unsure of his immediate future.

“I’m not sure. I am completely apart (from) these kind of decisions,” replied Flores when asked about his future on Saturday evening.

“I am just sad because if I can’t help the team, I am sad for that, I am sad for the fans, I am sad for the players, for the owner and the future of the club, of course.”

Speaking about his players, he added: “They lost confidence. You think the game goes in the right way and finally one situation changes everything.

“One goal (conceded) for us now is a tragedy, even if we are controlling the match. It’s a tragedy.”

Sanchez Flores’ tenure included just the one win – over Norwich – and also saw his team beaten by Wolves, Chelsea, Burnley and the 8-0 thrashing by champions Manchester City.