Javi Gracia returns to Watford after injury: what happened to the coach.

The Unpleasant Return of Javi Gracia to Watford

According to The Sun: The return of Javi Gracia to Watford was delayed due to a serious injury: he broke seven ribs after falling from a ladder.

Javi Gracia's return to Watford was delayed due to a serious injury. Steven Paston/PA Wire Gracia was considered a possible replacement for former Manchester United player Tom Cleverley. Jacob King/PA Wire

55-year-old Gracia was initially one of the candidates to replace Tom Cleverley as coach, but the situation changed after Paulo Pezzolano was appointed.

However, his return to Hertfordshire was delayed by two serious medical issues, starting with an accident during renovations that led to his hospitalization.

“I had a lot of free time at home, and my wife wanted me to help her with various things,” Gracia recounted. “I was on a ladder, fell from a height of four meters and broke seven ribs. It was very, very painful. Now everything is fine, I have fully recovered, but I also have a new right hip. The operation was much easier than with the ribs.”

Gracia led Watford to the FA Cup final in 2019, but the team suffered a devastating 6-0 defeat to Manchester City. He was later dismissed due to poor results at the start of the following season.

The former Leeds coach will become the 22nd permanent manager in the 13 years of Gino Pozzo's ownership and is favored by the fans.

He is ready to adopt a strict approach to achieve Pozzo’s goal – reaching the Championship playoffs, as Watford has signed 14 new players during this summer transfer window.

“You have to understand when to be demanding and when to talk to the players. But it feels like I’m coming home, and I have unfinished business here.”

Gracia adds: “I see people who used to work with me, and it makes it easier, I love it. This is one of the main reasons I am here - to experience this again.”

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The return of Javi Gracia promises to be interesting, as he already has experience with the team and knowledge about the inner workings of the club. However, the coach's health and recovery may influence future decisions by the management. Meanwhile, fans are hoping for positive changes in the team's results, especially after such significant transfers. Time will tell what the new stage in Gracia's career and in Watford's history will look like.