Nigel Pearson set to receive survival bonus
Watford are yet to confirm their survival in this season’s Premier League, but the Hornets are in a decent position to beat the drop.
In the relegation dogfight, Watford are 3 points clear of Aston Villa and Bournemouth.
However, Watford’s final two matches are against Man City (h) and Arsenal (a).
Last weekend, Watford confirmed the sacking of manager Nigel Pearson.
Yesterday we reported that Pearson was gearing up for a battle over a possible survival bonus should Watford stay up.
On Tuesday, the Times announce that Watford appear to have caved over fighting over the bonus. Reporter Gary Jacob wrote:
Nigel Pearson is to be paid a £1 million bonus if Watford stay in the Premier League despite being dismissed as their head coach with two matches of the season left.
Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic linked to Watford
Watford installed Hayden Mullins as their temporary manager until the end of the season.
Could Mullins get the job on a permanent basis?
Perhaps, although the Times have today linked Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic with the vacancy at Vicarage Road. Readers are told:
Zlatko Dalic, the Croatia manager, is among the long-term candidates to succeed Pearson.
Dalic, 53, is set to become a free agent at the end of the month when his contract with Croatia expires. He’s been in the job since 2017.
When it comes to club management, Dalic has limited experience. He’s previously worked at HNK Rijeka, Dinamo Tirana, Slaven Belupo, Faisaly and Al-Hilal.
Troy Deeney won’t be giving tactical advice vs Man City
One of the stories which popped up in the aftermath of Pearson’s sacking was the claim that Watford striker Troy Deeney could help prep the team for the match against Man City.
The Athletic reported that Mullins could receive a helping hand from Troy Deeney:
It’s thought Deeney may also be given licence to have an even greater role in tactical decision-making alongside the pair in a quasi-player-coach position, especially if his knee injury persists.
However, when that issue was put to Mullins in his press conference on Monday, the interim manager squashed the rumour:
Troy’s focus is solely on playing.
What happened at halftime during the West Ham vs Watford match?
Pearson’s final game in charge at Watford was a 3-1 defeat at West Ham last Friday night.
Rumours have since spread of a possible fight between Pearson and Adam Masina in the Watford dressing room at halftime against the Hammers.
The Athletic looked into the story on Monday, reporting:
Adam Masina, who had a disappointing first half, faced the ignominy of being taken off at half-time.
There were rumours after the game that Pearson and Masina had been involved in a physical altercation but all those involved vehemently deny that was the case.
While punches may not have been thrown, the Times have reported on the tension in Watford’s locker room during the break:
Pearson gave the team a “dressing-down” at half-time.
On what actually happened, Troy Deeney has filled in some of the blanks in an interview with beIN Sports.
Deeney categorically denied rumours of a fight, saying:
The gaffer didn’t put his hands on anybody, he was just frustrated and had a firm talking to us.
No-one was fighting, no-one was punched. There were no hands thrown.
“There was no fight at half-time… @T_Deeney won’t be picking teams… and we weren’t locked in after it”
The @WatfordFC captain hits out at the rumours following Nigel Pearson’s sacking!#beINPL 📺 HD11 pic.twitter.com/pSnuMiuGfN
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) July 20, 2020
Also see: Watford vs Manchester City live streaming and betting tips.
