Dionisi rejects reports he will be sacked after Cardiff loss as 'fake news'

Watford manager Alessio Dionisi said reports he would be sacked after his side's 5-1 defeat at Cardiff on Tuesday were "fake news" in the Championship. He made the comments to BBC Three Counties Radio.

Dionisi, who was appointed as manager in June, is speaking amid a run of poor results that has left Watford 22nd after 10 games of the Championship season. The club have lost six matches and are on a four-game losing streak.

The 5-1 reverse at Cardiff came days after a similarly heavy defeat by Burnley at Vicarage Road. Those consecutive comprehensive losses have intensified scrutiny of the team's form.

Watford began the campaign with a three-game unbeaten run, including an opening-day victory over Southampton, but have managed only one Championship win since then, against bottom side Preston. That solitary victory contrasts with the sequence of recent defeats.

Dionisi said it was "normal" for there to be speculation over his future and defended his position with a direct response. "There is good news, bad news or fake news probably. In this case for the moment, it is fake news. But I don't decide," he said.

The manager responded to public criticism from figures outside the club after recent results. Former owner Elton John said he was "upset and disappointed" in a now-deleted Instagram post, while ex-Watford midfielder Tom Ince told BBC Sounds' 72+ Plus podcast he feared for the club following what he described as a "soulless" display at Cardiff. "I have a lot of respect for everyone," said Dionisi. "For Elton John, I am sorry because I don't know him. But football is wonderful because everyone speaks [their mind]. There are supporters, there are journalists. There are a lot of people. "I have been a coach for 14 years, and it is normal. In my past there was negative and there was positive moments. At the moment it is a negative moment."

Dionisi also said he remained in regular contact with the club's ownership group, including Gino Pozzo. "Inside the training ground there is only one mentality, only one street for everyone," Dionisi said.

Dionisi will take charge for Saturday's home meeting with Charlton Athletic.