Javi Gracia Eyeing Return to Watford Amid Managerial Turmoil
Watford’s revolving door of managers could open once again, with former Premier League boss Javi Gracia reportedly linked to a return at Vicarage Road.
Taking the Watford job is always a gamble. The club has a notorious character for its desirability with directors. But for Gracia, it was a debut in English football that left a mark.
The Spanish trainer replaced Marco Silva in 2018, steering the Hornets to Premier League survival over two seasons. He also guided them to an FA Cup final, a rare achievement in recent club history.
“However, they did lose 6-0 to Manchester City at Wembley, and Gracia was sacked following a poor start to the following season,” sources recall.
BREAKING: Paulo Pezzolano is set to be sacked with Javi Gracia number one target to replace him.
[@SkySports]#watfordfc pic.twitter.com/shkUvDXY17
— TheWatfordWay (@thewatfordway) October 7, 2025
After leaving Watford, Gracia moved on to Valencia and later claimed the Qatar Stars League title with Al Sadd. He returned to England in 2023 to take the helm at Leeds United, succeeding Jesse Marsch.
That stint, still, lasted just 12 games before Sam Allardyce took over, with Leeds ultimately relegated.
Since also, Gracia has also been out of work, the possibility of a Watford return is stirring enterprise.
Watford appointed Pezzolano in the summer after Tom Cleverley’s departure. The club was active in the transfer request, bringing in promising youthful gifts like Nestory Irankunda from Bayern Munich and Max Alleyne on loan from Manchester City.
After nine Championship institutions, Watford sit 11th in the table, unbeaten in their last three games. Still, the club’s history suggests that results alone may not guarantee job security.
“There is a huge lack of patience with managers in football, and Watford is the poster club for hiring and firing managers,” experts note.
Pezzolano understood the risk when he took the job, meaning that any potential exit would not be a shock.
For Javi Gracia, a second stint at Watford might be tempting. Yet he will be fully aware that any return is unlikely to offer long-term stability.
“Gracia has been out of work since his spell at Leeds, a return to Watford could be tempting. However, he will know that it will not be for the long term.”
With the Hornets’ managerial merry-go-round showing no signs of slowing, a familiar face may soon be back at Vicarage Road.
