Alex MacQuoid
Watford Consider Marti Cifuentes After Javi Gracia Resignation
Watford are evaluating former QPR and Leicester City head coach Marti Cifuentes as they begin their search for a new manager. The 43-year-old Catalan is currently a free agent following his dismissal from the King Power Stadium. This move comes as Watford look to fill the void left by Javi Gracia, who resigned following a 2-0 home loss to Swansea City.
Cifuentes was relieved of his duties at Leicester City after a 2-1 defeat against Oxford United.
The result left the Foxes in 14th place in the Championship, trailing the play-off spots by six points. Despite being tasked with securing immediate Premier League promotion, Cifuentes saw his tenure cut short after arriving during the pre-season. His previous stint at Loftus Road ended in July by mutual agreement after QPR placed him on gardening leave during reported discussions with West Brom.
Cifuentes Issues Statement Following Foxes Exit
The manager broke his silence regarding his departure through a social media update. Cifuentes reflected on his brief time in the East Midlands and expressed gratitude to the ownership.
This was obviously not the way we wished for our time at Leicester City to conclude. From the moment me and my staff arrived during the pre-season period we gave everything to try and help the club in building a fresh culture and set new standards during a challenging period. I would like to thank Khun Top and the board for this opportunity. I value the relationships that we developed with players and staff during our time together and the work we did, including collaborating to progress the development of some of the club’s talented youngsters in the academy.
The coach also acknowledged the Leicester City fanbase. To the fans, I always personally felt the passion that you expressed towards your club, he noted, thanking them for their devotion across the country regardless of conditions.
Watford Seek Stability After Gracia Departure
Watford officials expressed disappointment over Javi Gracia quitting his post. The club statement confirmed that while they believed Gracia was the right profile for a promotion push, the manager felt he lacked the motivation to lead the current squad. Vicarage Road now sits as a potential destination for Cifuentes, who remains an early favorite for the role. Follow TipsGG for continuous updates on the Championship managerial circuit.