‘I don’t go away’ – Ranieri vows to fight on as Watford manager

Claudio Ranieri has vowed to fight on as Watford manager and has called on his players to change their mentality following their 3-0 home defeat to Norwich on Friday.

Trailing 2-0, Emmanuel Dennis was shown a second yellow card soon after for a high foot on Max Aarons, to leave the Hornets to see out the final 12 minutes with 10 men. In stoppage time, they conceded another.

Ranieri was asked about his future following his side’s second-half collapse, but the Italian says he is committed to turning around the club’s fortunes.

“I don’t go away. I want to continue because I am a fighter. I’ve never given up in my career,” Ranieri said, per Sky Sports.

“I have to say sorry to the fans. I told the players to ignite the fire. The second half after the goal, we disappeared. Maybe we played better with 10 than 11.

“Now we must pick up the players who have heart like (Tom) Cleverley and (Moussa) Sissoko. Only the players with the fight can help us survive. We have to change our mentality. We cannot carry on in this way. I want players who can play with passion and heart.

Watford are without a win in nine games in all competitions (D1 L8), their longest run without a victory since December 2013 (10), and have now slipped into the relegation zone for the first time this season.

Meanwhile, Norwich enjoyed their biggest margin of victory in a Premier League match since beating West Brom 4-0 in May 2013.