Quique Sánchez Flores on ‘grotesque experience’ with Watford last season – Doesn’t believe reason for Gracia’s sacking

Watford were one of the three clubs relegated from the Premier League last season after they finished 19th in the table.

The Hornets endured a difficult campaign and their owners sacked three managers before the season was concluded.

Javi Gracia was in charge for only four league games and after having managed only one point in August, the Spaniard was relieved from his duties. He was replaced by Quique Sánchez Flores.

Flores, who was at Vicarage Road for the 2015/16 season, saw his second spell with the English club end in disappointment as he was sacked on December 1st, with Nigel Pearson being appointed as his successor.

Valencia based newspaper Las Provincias interviewed Flores and asked him what went wrong for him at Watford.

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“The first spell was a wonderful experience: we were out of relegation all season despite being candidates for relegation. Five years later, they called me because I could [bring] balance [to the team], but I don’t know the squad and they don’t give me time or answer,” he said.

“It was a grotesque experience with external control to the coach. Out of 10 games, five lost, four tied and one won. It already happened with Javi Gracia.”

The Spaniard was further quizzed whether Gracia was sacked at Watford for ‘no apparent reason’. Responding to that, Flores explained: “According to the club, he had lost interest in the team, which is not believable.” 

“Javi Gracia is a good team manager. These leaders are what they are: four managerial changes last season.”

Watford appointed Vladimir Ivić as their new manager in August and under his guidance, the club have collected seven points in the first four Championship matches.