Watford Manager Javi Gracia Resigns After Brief Second Stint
In a surprising turn of events, Watford manager Javi Gracia has stepped down from his position at Vicarage Road, a mere three months after making his return to the club. The Spaniard's resignation comes despite a recent emphatic 3-0 victory over Birmingham City, highlighting a period of mixed fortunes for the Championship side.
Emergency Talks Precede Departure
Gracia's decision followed an emergency meeting with club owner Gino Pozzo after Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Swansea City. This loss saw Watford drop to 10th place in the table, now four points adrift of the play-off positions. In a candid interview with Sky Sports post-match, Gracia expressed his need for clarity, stating, "I want to speak to the owners about everything, what is happening in the future, everything. We have to know clearly where we are going." He emphasised the urgency, adding, "I want to speak to them today if I can. I think that you have to do things as soon as possible."
Club Statement and Managerial History
The club released a statement confirming the resignation, noting their disappointment but respect for Gracia's choice. It read, "The club is sad and disappointed to confirm the resignation of Javi Gracia as Head Coach. We retain the belief Javi was the right man to lead the club towards its push for promotion, but Javi felt he no longer had the motivation and was not the right man to continue coaching this exciting group of young players." This marks a significant moment for Watford, who are now seeking their 24th manager since the Pozzo family took over in 2012. Gracia, who was previously sacked in 2019 after leading the team to an FA Cup final, had been rehired in October following the dismissal of Uruguayan coach Paulo Pezzolano after just 10 matches.
Interim Coaching Team Steps In
With Gracia's immediate departure, an interim coaching trio has been appointed to oversee the first team while the search for a permanent manager begins. This group includes:
- Charlie Daniels, formerly of Bournemouth
- Ex-Newcastle United midfielder Dan Gosling
- Ex-Crystal Palace defender Adrian Mariappa
Their first challenge will be to steady the ship ahead of upcoming fixtures, including a match against Hull City on Tuesday night and a trip to Southampton, where speculation surrounds Adam Armstrong's potential late move to Wolves.
Looking Ahead for the Hornets
Watford's immediate focus shifts to their Championship campaign, with a crucial match against West Brom scheduled for Tuesday, 21 April at the Hawthorns Stadium. The Baggies will be aiming to secure their status as a second-tier club by that point. This managerial change adds another layer of intrigue to Watford's season, as they navigate the challenges of promotion contention amidst ongoing instability in the dugout.
