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#4 Javi Gracia deserves credit for revitalized Watford
A lot of pundits had been predicting that Watford would be one of the teams looking for a new manager in the close season. The thinking was that Spanish manager Javi Gracia would be shown the door following the team's stupefying end to the 2017/2018 season.
He had been appointed in January 2018 following the sacking of Marco Silva whose head had been turned by Everton (which was seeking to replace Ronald Koeman). However, he was unable to lift the team as they sleepwalked their way to the end of the season. Although they were never really in relegation trouble, the performances were dire though a horrendous injury crisis didn't do him any favours.
This season, the 48-year-old former Rubin Kazan has revitalized the Hornets and its paying off. Goalkeeper Ben Foster is the only new buy who has had a starting role in the team. The likes of Andre Gray, Holebas, Roberto Pereyra, Daryl Janmant, Will Hughes are performing at levels they didn't meet last season.
The astute organization of his side will continue to be an asset especially if the team's habitual injury crisis does not rear its head.
