With Watford down in the dumps – Javi Gracia could be set for new job in Spain

It had all started so well.

Quique Sánchez Flores’ Watford return began with a 2-2 draw against Arsenal, and the Hornets’ tendency to dispatch with managers looked to again be working rather well.

Then Manchester City happened. Pep Guardiola’s side put eight past Watford at the weekend, and it’s only for time to tell whether that or the Arsenal result tells the real story.

The result is being covered around the world’s sport media. In Spain, they’ve been quite humoured by Gerard Deulofeu’s heat-map, which shows the Watford player touching the ball most in the centre of the pitch… kicking off after each City goal.

Javi Gracia had been much lauded in the Spanish media for how he had Watford playing last year, and the club have likely escaped angry columns because they replaced him with another well liked Spaniard.

Now, with Watford licking their wounds, and looking ahead to upcoming fixtures, Gracia is being linked with a new job.

Espanyol currently stand 18th in La Liga, in the relegation zone courtesy of goal difference. Manager David Gallego has his head nearing the chop, and replacements are already being lined up, including the man Watford recently sacked.

Both Sport and El Desmarque report Gracia is an option for the club, and it’s a story growing in Spain, where the manager’s time at Watford is seen positively.