Javi Gracia resigns as Watford head coach | OneFootball

Watford have confirmed Javi Gracia's departure as head coach.

Saturday's defeat to Swansea City left the Hertfordshire club with just one win in their past five games and four points away from a Championship play-off position.

Gracia had returned to Vicarage Road in October for a second spell after Paulo Pezzolano's sacking but resigned on Sunday after little more than three months.

"The club is sad and disappointed to confirm the resignation of Javi Gracia as head coach," read a Hornets statement.

"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.

"We respect his decision and accept his wish to leave Vicarage Road with immediate effect.

"We remain well placed in the Championship, four points off the play-offs with a game in hand and 17 matches remaining.

"Everybody at the club believes wholeheartedly this is a squad capable of challenging for promotion.

"We would like to thank Javi and his team for their work during two spells at the club. We wish him and his family the best and they will always receive the warmest of welcomes at Watford."

Watford travel to Hull City in their next Championship outing on Tuesday.

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