Watford confirm Javi Gracia resignation as head coach after Swansea defeat | OneFootball

Javi Gracia has resigned as Watford head coach after the 2-0 home defeat by Swansea City, the club said in a statement.

The former Leeds United boss returned to Vicarage Road in October, ending nearly two and a half years out of management. Leeds had turned to the Spaniard in February 2023 in a failed bid to stay in the Premier League, but he lasted 12 games after replacing Jesse Marsch.

Watford lost only two of his first eight matches, winning three. After December's 2-1 reverse at Birmingham City, they put together a seven-game unbeaten run with five victories.

That sequence gave way to five winless fixtures, three of them defeats, culminating in Saturday's setback that left them 10th. After the game he sought talks with the owner over concerns about the team's level, their situation and the future.

Watford expressed sadness and disappointment at his decision, adding they respected his wish to leave immediately. They had believed he was the right man, but he felt he lacked the motivation and was not the right person to continue with an exciting young squad.

Charlie Daniels, Dan Gosling and Adrian Mariappa will take charge against Hull City on Tuesday night. They are four points off the play-offs with a game in hand and 17 matches left, and believe the squad can challenge for promotion. The club also thanked Gracia and his staff for their work across two spells and wished his family well.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk