EPL: Javi Gracia gets long-term Watford contract after good start

Image Courtesy:Twitter/@WatfordFC

Watford head coach Javi Gracia has signed a new 4-1/2 year contract to keep him at Vicarage Road until 2023, the Premier League club said on Wednesday.

The 48-year-old Spaniard joined Watford in January on an 18-month deal, replacing Marco Silva who is now at Everton.

  Fresh from signing a new deal, Javi Gracia talks to the cameras about coaching, #watfordfc & the future.

The Interview https://t.co/UyP0zvqhoo#GR4CIA pic.twitter.com/RWgKR3stsA — Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) November 28, 2018

Watford, who are ninth on 20 points after 13 games, made a strong start to the season by winning their first four league matches, including a thrilling victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

However, they will be looking to bounce back following a 3-0 defeat against Liverpool in their recent clash. 

After a largely uneventful first half, Mohamed Salah put the ball past Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster in the 67th minute before England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold scored a stunning second goal.

The 20-year-old beat Foster with a brilliant whipped free kick from 25 metres nine minutes later, before his international team mate Jordan Henderson was dismissed for a second bookable offence.

Liverpool were not hindered by their numerical disadvantage, however, with Roberto Firmino adding a late third goal as the visitors extended their unbeaten start to the Premier League season to 13 games.

"I am very happy to extend my contract," said Gracia, whose new deal includes an option for a three-year extension.

"I am very proud in this moment to be part of this club and to belong here for more seasons," he added. 

Watford, who are without a league win in three matches, visit 10th-placed Leicester City on Saturday.