I can dodge fire brigade
JAVI GRACIA has no idea how long he will be in charge of Watford after becoming the club’s ninth manager in six years.
The Spaniard has replaced Marco Silva, sacked on Sunday, knowing the club’s recent track record of hiring and firing makes his position far from secure.
Gracia, 47, has signed an 18-month contract after a career of largely short-term stints, most recently at Malaga and Rubin Kazan.
“I’d like to be here a long time but I don’t know,” he said. “Coaches’ lives many times depend on many things.
“I am confident, but you never know what happens in the future. Watford is a nice place, they are a really good club and I feel very comfortable.
Gracia arrives with Watford 10th in the Premier League but they are just four points above the relegation zone after a run of only one win in 11 league matches. “I am sure we will stay up,” he said. “Based on everything, quality, effort, commitment, ambition, everything.
“But we need to get good results because the coach leaves due to results. I knew about the number of coaches Watford have had when I came. You don’t know what happened in the other situations. But I am confident I am different and can do it.”
Watford stress the role of head coach is one that does not focus on transfers. But Gracia, whose first match is at Southampton tomorrow, said he was not even aware which players the club are interested in and could offer no guarantees over the future of any of his squad, including captain Troy Deeney.
“Maybe one will go out, maybe others go in. I just don’t know,” he said. “But it’s the truth. I don’t have time to prepare my job the best way.”