La Liga club, Valencia CF as appointed retired Spanish footballer Javi Gracia on Monday. Gracia is a former manager of the Premier League team Watford and during his playing days, he played as a defensive midfielder in the Spanish leagues.
The club has signed a two-year deal with the former after the finished the La Liga season at ninth-place with 53 points and 14 wins. The Spanish club praised Gracia, referring him as “proponent of attacking football.”
🎙️ Javi Gracia: “I'm sure that the fans will feel very proud of their team and they will feel represented”#WelcomeJaviGracia 🦇 pic.twitter.com/kn7vMYoZGK
— Valencia CF (@valenciacf_en) July 27, 2020
“I’d like this great squad that we have to be a brave, aggressive and balanced side. In the end, we like talking about good football and attacking play, but the success of teams really comes through having balance,” Gracia said.
“I’m sure that the fans will feel very proud of their team and they will feel represented.” he added.
Valencia didn’t have a good campaign this season, if compared to the last two seasons, when they were under top 4 and also qualified for the Champions League. Owing to a poor run this season, the club couldn’t make a cut in the European Championship.
As Gracia takes over as the head coach, he will have a tough task ahead, especially after the side failed to qualify for the Champions League. There may also be some trades, forcing the departure of some talented players like Ferran Torres before the new season begins in September.
Moreover, the strained relationship between the Valencia owner Peter Lim and the fans may also pose a daunting challenge for the 50-year-old Spaniard when he joins the side.
