Javi Gracia: 'My coaching career won't last much longer'
Watford boss Javi Gracia opens up about his second spell in England, his iconic chant, and why his days on the touchline are numbered.
Javi Gracia hints at early retirement as he enjoys Watford reunion
The Spanish tactician reveals he won’t be in the dugout for many more years, despite his love affair with the Hornets continuing in his second spell.
Javi Gracia is spending Christmas away from home, but he’s hardly down in the dumps about it. The Navarre-born manager has returned to his beloved Watford, where fans serenade him with “Javi Gracia drinks sangría” – a tune reminiscent of Liverpool’s famous chant for Luis García.
Championship challenges
Gracia’s honest assessment of his current situation shows he’s not expecting miracles overnight:
“We’re the youngest team in the Championship, and the club frequently changes its squad, making it difficult to build something sustainable,” he explains.
Watford’s season has been defined by fine margins and late heartbreak. In their most recent match, they conceded a 92nd-minute equaliser – the sort of game management issue Gracia attributes to his squad’s inexperience.
Family sacrifices
The distance from his family clearly weighs on Gracia. While his wife and three children are joining him for Christmas, the festive fixture pile-up means there’s no chance of a normal holiday period. Between December 20th and January 4th, Watford face five matches – proper Christmas box that, innit?
Spanish connections
Despite living in Málaga during his time in Spain, Gracia admits he struggles to follow La Liga closely these days. His family, however, are keen followers of the Costa del Sol outfit.
When asked about Málaga’s continued absence from the top flight, Gracia is pragmatic: “The circumstances that led to their relegation remain present. In Segunda, there are many historic clubs with Primera División pasts – having the desire to be promoted isn’t enough on its own.”
Coaching countdown
The most revealing part of Gracia’s interview comes when discussing his future. Despite his passion for coaching, he suggests his career won’t extend much further:
“My sporting future won’t last much longer. I see myself enjoying family and friends from a different perspective soon. I enjoy my work greatly – it’s my passion – but it causes me considerable wear and tear, and I have to give up many things.”
“When I’m coaching, I’m completely consumed by it. I won’t be coaching for many more years.”
For now, though, Gracia remains focused on improving Watford’s young squad, hoping their second half of the season brings more consistency as his players gain experience in one of football’s most physically demanding leagues.