Watford boss Walter Mazzarri insists he had no influence on the axing of head of medical Richard Collinge.

The Italian brought in his own staff following his arrival this summer but insisted he was not involved in the decision to axe Collinge.

Mazzarri told the Watford Observer: “I had a very good relationship with him [Collinge]. When I came here to Watford I brought my own staff and for them I take responsibility.

"In this case the club has it's own staff and it was the club that decided this. I had absolutely nothing to do with this decision.

"I couldn't have influenced this decision. But of course I had a very good relationship with him."