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By WILL PICKWORTH, SPORTS REPORTER Published: 00: 14 AEDT, 2 February 2026 | Updated: 00: 41 AEDT, 2 February 2026 8 View comments Watford boss Javi Gracia has resigned from his role less than 24 hours after his side lost to Swansea City on Saturday. Gracia, 55, only returned to Vicarage Road in October having previously managed the Hornets between January 2018 and September 2019. The Spaniard replaced Paulo Pezzolano - who was sacked after just 10 games of the season - and won eight of his 20 league matches in charge. However, following the 2-0 defeat by the Swans, which extended Watford's winless run to five games in all competitions, Gracia has now tendered his resignation. In a statement bemoaning the news, Watford said: 'The club is sad and disappointed to confirm the resignation of Javi Gracia as Head Coach. 'We retain the belief Javi was the right man to lead the club towards its push for promotion, but Javi felt he no longer had the motivation and was not the right man to continue coaching this exciting group of young players. Watford boss Javi Gracia has resigned from his role after just over three months in charge 'We respect his decision and accept his wish to leave Vicarage Road with immediate effect. ' Charlie Daniels, Dan Gosling and Adrian Mariappa will be in charge for Watford's clash against Hull City on Tuesday. The statement added: 'We remain well placed in the Championship, four points off the play-offs with a game in hand and 17 matches remaining. 'Everybody at the club believes wholeheartedly this is a squad capable of challenging for promotion. 'We would like to thank Javi and his team for their work during two spells at the club. We wish him and his family the best and they will always receive the warmest of welcomes at Watford. ' Speaking after Saturday's defeat by Swansea - which left Watford in 10th place - Gracia had raised some concern when he said he wanted a meeting with club owner Gino Pozzo. 'We are in a very difficult moment, ' Gracia told BBC Three Counties Radio. 'I knew before the game it could happen. 'Some players are injured, some players are gone, some players are coming, some players are playing with discomfort. The last results speak about the team now. ' 'I want to speak with the owner and to know how they feel because I'm really disappointed with the level of the team, the situation of the team and maybe the future of the team as well. 'The energy, the atmosphere in the team now, we are not so optimistic as we were. ' Watford's only signings this month so far are former Roma midfielder Edoardo Bove and Man City youngster Stephen Mfuni. During his first spell at Watford, Gracia led his side to 11th place in the Premier League in his sole full season in charge and the FA Cup final. He leaves Vicarage Road with an overall record of 33 wins from 87 games across his two spells in charge.
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