Claudio Ranieri: Watford boss wants players to 'fight' for club after Norwich loss

Claudio Ranieri says he needs to choose players that want to «fight hard for Watford» after a damaging defeat against Norwich saw them drop into the Premier League relegation zone.

Norwich picked up a 3-0 win to move out of the bottom three for the first time this season and send Watford into it.

The Hornets have suffered 11 defeats in 13 games under Italian Ranieri.

«It's very important the lesson Norwich gave us, they played as a team, we played as individuals,» said Ranieri.

The 70-year-old veteran was furious with his players after a result that sees them fall to 18th place following a run of seven defeats and one draw in their past eight games.

He told BBC Sport: «I want to say sorry to our fans because we wanted to do something better. We asked the players to light the fire and we can't lose this match, but after the goal we disappeared.

»I believe in my reaction and the players' reaction. It is not possible to continue in this way because this way we go straight into the Championship. I want the players with heart and mentality who play for the team.

«I speak every day with the board and we are all together. I believe in these players, the players who want to believe. Who doesn't want to believe — go home.»

Victory was Norwich's fourth from 22 top-flight games this season, but means they have now collected three points in back-to-back games after beating Everton last time out.

USA international Josh Sargent scored twice and Juraj Kucka added a late own goal for Watford, who also had forward Emmanuel Dennis sent off for two bookable offences.

The Nigerian is the club's top scorer this season with eight goals but will miss the crucial match against bottom of the table Burnley after the international break.

Against Norwich,