Watford reappoint Spaniard as Gracia replacement

 

Watford on Saturday confirmed the reappointment of Quique Sanchez Flores as Javi Gracia’s replacement at Vicarage Road. 

 

Gracia was relieved of his duties on Saturday evening, despite guiding Watford to the FA Cup final last season, with the Hornets bottom of the Premier League. 

 

And Watford quickly moved to bring Sanchez Flores back to England following stints with Espanyol and Shanghai Shenhua. 

 

“Watford FC announces the appointment of Quique Sánchez Flores as the club’s new Head Coach,” a statement read on the club’s official website. 

 

“The 54-year-old returns to Vicarage Road, having guided Watford to a comfortable mid-table finish during the 2015/16 campaign – the club’s first season back in the Premier League. 

 

“He also led Watford to the semi-finals of the FA Cup during his year at the helm. 

 

“After leaving England, Sánchez Flores took Espanyol to an eighth-place finish in LaLiga and also had a spell in China with Shanghai Shenhua. 

 

“In 2010, the former Spain international led Atlético Madrid to Europa League glory as well as the club’s first Copa del Rey final in more than 10 years, later lifting the UEFA Super Cup in a period of huge success at the Vicente Calderón Stadium. 

 

“Sánchez Flores has also coached Getafe and Valencia – achieving third and fourth-place LaLiga finishes with the latter – as well as Portuguese side Benfica and United Arab Emirates outfits Al Ahli and Al Ain.” 

 

Watford reappoint Spaniard as Gracia replacement

 

Watford have scored fewer goals (2) than any other Premier League side this season.