Watford boss Javi Gracia retains backing of squad and club hierarchy after wretched start to season

Javi Gracia is not in danger of losing his job as manager of Watford despite their recent defeats
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Javi Gracia has the backing of the Watford dressing room as he bids to turn around a difficult start to the season against Coventry City on Tuesday night.

Watford have lost all three of their games this season, with the latest of those defeats coming against West Ham United on Saturday.

The Hornets will look to put that run behind them tonight and build some momentum by defeating Coventry in the second round of the Carabao Cup at Vicarage Road.

Speculation around Gracia’s future has intensified over the past few days but Standard Sport understands the 49-year-old has the backing of his squad, while he also has the support of the Watford hierarchy and his job is currently not under threat.

The Spaniard worked wonders at Vicarage Road last season, guiding the club to the FA Cup Final and achieving a record number of Premier League points.

In Pictures | Watford vs West Ham | 24/08/2019

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After that fine campaign Watford have made a slow start to this season, but there is an understanding that part of that could be down to the late arrivals of signings Danny Welbeck and Ismaila Sarr.

Both were signed in the final two days of the transfer window and are only just now returning to full fitness after missing all of pre-season.

There is a belief Gracia can turn around results, particularly after Saturday’s defeat where Watford had more possession and shots than West Ham.

That is seen as an indication that Gracia can correct the slide, starting with Tuesday's match against Coventry.

After that, Watford face a trip to Newcastle United on Saturday before the squad departs for the international break.

The Hornets have a tough run of fixtures when they return after that, with trips to Manchester City and Wolves sandwiched in between home clashes with Arsenal and Sheffield United.

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