Perhaps Claudio Ranieri knew what was coming from day dot.
Maybe that's why he chose not to fully engage with Watford's players during his 112 days in charge at Vicarage Road.
He was rarely seen in the training ground canteen, the central hub of the club's London Colney base. He kept his dignity and was gentleman to the very last; polite and charming to those he crossed paths with. But his heart wasn't in it; that was clear.
Claudio Ranieri (middle) has been sacked as manager of Watford after a dismal three months
His sacking on Monday came as no surprise. Sportsmail revealed on New Year's Day that he was heading for the sack amid doubts over his suitability as head coach.
But the assertion that everyone knew the Italian's appointment as Xisco Munoz's successor in October was doomed from the very beginning isn't necessarily an accurate one.
News of his arrival was greeted with excitement by the playing squad who were dumbfounded that someone of Ranieri's pedigree had agreed to join a club that isn't known for its stability. It didn't take long, however, for the penny to drop.
A lovely man, a genuine Premier League legend - but not the person you want masterminding a relegation escape.
Had the Pozzo family completed sufficient due diligence before appointing Ranieri then perhaps they wouldn't be in this mess. Instead, Watford are 19th having picked up just seven points from a possible 36 during the Italian's disastrous reign.
Watford's first phone call should have been to Fulham.
Ranieri, two years on from his historic title win with Leicester, was appointed by the Cottagers to lead them to safety. A relative no-brainer given his lofty achievements. Far from it, as Fulham found to their detriment.
Three wins from his 19 matches in charge, Ranieri was relieved of his duties after just 106 days in charge. His training methods were old-fashioned and unenjoyable at Fulham's
