Javi Gracia

2023-05-08T19:44:01Z

217.161.99.43: Fixed typo

{{short description|Spanish footballer and manager (born 1970)}}
{{Distinguish|Javi García}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2018}}
{{family name hatnote|Gracia|Carlos|lang=Spanish}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Javi Gracia
| image = Javier Gracia Carlos.jpg
| image_size =
| caption = Gracia as manager of [[FC Rubin Kazan|Rubin Kazan]] in 2017
| fullname = Javier Gracia Carlos<ref name=BDFutbol>{{cite web|url=https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/l/l2644.html|title=Gracia: Javier Gracia Carlos: Manager|publisher=BDFutbol|access-date=3 May 2018}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1970|5|1|df=y}}<ref name=BDFutbol/>
| birth_place = [[Pamplona]], Spain
| height = 1.85 m<ref name=BDFutbol/>
| position = [[Midfielder#Defensive midfielder|Defensive midfielder]]
| currentclub =
| youthyears1 = 1977–1982 | youthclubs1 = [[CA Osasuna|Osasuna]]
| youthyears2 = | youthclubs2 = [[UDC Chantrea|Chantrea]]
| youthyears3 = | youthclubs3 = [[Athletic Bilbao Cantera|Athletic Bilbao]]
| years1 = 1989–1992 | clubs1 = [[Athletic Bilbao B|Bilbao Athletic]] | caps1 = 100 | goals1 = 12
| years2 = 1992–1993 | clubs2 = [[UE Lleida|Lleida]] | caps2 = 38 | goals2 = 12
| years3 = 1993–1995 | clubs3 = [[Real Valladolid|Valladolid]] | caps3 = 65 | goals3 = 2
| years4 = 1995–1999 | clubs4 = [[Real Sociedad]] | caps4 = 106 | goals4 = 12
| years5 = 1999–2002 | clubs5 = [[Villarreal CF|Villarreal]] | caps5 = 82 | goals5 = 6
| years6 = 2003–2004 | clubs6 = [[Córdoba CF|Córdoba]] | caps6 = 39 | goals6 = 0
| totalcaps = 430 | totalgoals = 44
| nationalyears1 = 1989–1990 | nationalteam1 = [[Spain national under-20 football team|Spain U20]] | nationalcaps1 = 3 | nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 1991 | nationalteam2 = [[Spain national under-21 football team|Spain U21]] | nationalcaps2 = 1 | nationalgoals2 = 0
| manageryears1 = 2004–2005 | managerclubs1 = [[Villarreal CF|Villarreal]] (youth)
| manageryears2 = 2007–2008 | managerclubs2 = [[Pontevedra CF|Pontevedra]]
| manageryears3 = 2008–2010 | managerclubs3 = [[Cádiz CF|Cádiz]]
| manageryears4 = 2010–2011 | managerclubs4 = [[Villarreal CF B|Villarreal B]]
| manageryears5 = 2011 | managerclubs5 = [[Olympiacos Volou 1937 F.C.|Olympiacos Volou]]
| manageryears6 = 2011–2012 | managerclubs6 = [[AO Kerkyra|Kerkyra]]
| manageryears7 = 2012–2013 | managerclubs7 = [[UD Almería|Almería]]
| manageryears8 = 2013–2014 | managerclubs8 = [[CA Osasuna|Osasuna]]
| manageryears9 = 2014–2016 | managerclubs9 = [[Málaga CF|Málaga]]
| manageryears10 = 2016–2017 | managerclubs10 = [[FC Rubin Kazan|Rubin Kazan]]
| manageryears11 = 2018–2019 | managerclubs11 = [[Watford F.C.|Watford]]
| manageryears12 = 2020–2021 | managerclubs12 = [[Valencia CF|Valencia]]
| manageryears13 = 2021–2022 | managerclubs13 = [[Al Sadd SC|Al Sadd]]
| manageryears14 = 2023 | managerclubs14 = [[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]]
}}
'''Javier "Javi" Gracia Carlos''' ({{IPA-es|ˈxaβi ˈɣɾaθja}};{{efn|In isolation, ''Gracia'' is pronounced {{IPA-es|ˈɡɾaθja|}}.}} born 1 May 1970) is a Spanish [[Association football|football]] manager and former player who played as a [[Midfielder#Defensive midfielder|defensive midfielder]].

He totalled 430 matches across both major [[Spanish football league system|levels of Spanish football]], in a 15-year professional career. After retiring he began working as a manager, going on to coach several clubs in Spain, Greece and Russia before being appointed at [[Watford F.C.|Watford]] in January 2018.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/20150511/2066015320/tecnico-gracia-cumplio-partidos-entre-jugador-y-entrenador-en-primera.html|title=Javi Gracia, 300 partidos entre jugador y entrenador en Primera|trans-title=Javi Gracia, 300 matches combined as player and manager in ''Primera''|newspaper=[[Mundo Deportivo]]|language=es|date=11 May 2015|access-date=22 January 2018}}</ref>

Gracia led Watford to their second [[FA Cup]] final in their history in [[2019 FA Cup Final|2019]], but was sacked later the same year. Unfortunately, he also relegated Leeds United. <ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/sep/07/watford-sack-head-coach-javi-gracia-after-poor-start-to-the-season|title=Watford sack Javi Gracia and reappoint Quique Sánchez Flores|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|last=Unwin|first=Will|date=7 September 2019|access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref> From June 2020 to May 2021 he worked with [[Valencia CF|Valencia]], and a year later he won the [[Qatar Stars League]] during a brief spell at [[Al Sadd SC|Al Sadd]] before managing [[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]] for three months in 2023.

==Playing career==
Born in [[Pamplona]], [[Navarre]], Gracia started playing professionally with [[Bilbao Athletic]], [[Athletic Bilbao]]'s reserves, never appearing officially for the first team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bizkaia.eldesmarque.com/athletic-club/noticias/50135-gracia-las-cifras-goleadoras-de-aduriz-estan-por-encima-de-la-media|title=Gracia: "Las cifras goleadoras de Aduriz están por encima de la media"|trans-title=Gracia: "Aduriz's scoring figures are above the average"|publisher=El Desmarque|language=es|date=5 December 2015|access-date=22 January 2018}}</ref> In the [[1992–93 Segunda División|1992–93 campaign]], he scored a career-best 12 goals in all 38 games as [[UE Lleida]] returned to [[La Liga]] after an absence of more than 40 years, as champions.<ref name=MD>{{cite news|url=http://www.mundodeportivo.com/20130605/hemeroteca/index.html/se-cumplen-20-anos-del-ultimo-ascenso-a-primera-de-la-ue-lleida_54375388185.html|title=Se cumplen 20 años del último ascenso a Primera de la UE Lleida|trans-title=20 years from UE Lleida's last promotion to ''Primera''|newspaper=Mundo Deportivo|language=es|date=5 June 2013|access-date=21 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spherasports.com/todos-fueron-futbolistas-y-ahora-entrenadores-62465/|title=El pasado futbolista de todos los técnicos de la Liga|trans-title=The footballing past of all the League's managers|publisher=Sphera Sports|last=Olcina Anaya|first=Felipe|language=es|date=10 March 2016|access-date=21 January 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180122072029/http://www.spherasports.com/todos-fueron-futbolistas-y-ahora-entrenadores-62465/|archive-date=22 January 2018}}</ref>

Gracia spent the following six seasons in the top flight, appearing regularly for both [[Real Valladolid]] and [[Real Sociedad]] until [[1998–99 La Liga|1998–99]] (15 matches, one goal).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://elpais.com/diario/1999/01/11/deportes/916009213_850215.html|title=La Real reparte beneficios de la miseria|trans-title=Real share benefits of misery|newspaper=[[El País]]|last=Ormazabal|first=Mikel|language=es|date=11 January 1999|access-date=22 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.malagacf.com/noticia/javier-gracia-nuevo-tecnico-del-malaga-club-de-futbol|title=Javier Gracia, nuevo técnico del Málaga Club de Fútbol|trans-title=Javier Gracia, new Málaga Club de Fútbol manager|publisher=Málaga CF|language=es|date=30 May 2014|access-date=21 January 2018}}</ref> In 1999, he returned to the [[Segunda División]] and signed for [[Villarreal CF]], helping the [[Valencian Community|Valencian]] club to [[1999–2000 Segunda División|get promoted to the top division]] after one year and being regularly used [[2000–01 La Liga|the following campaign]] – 1,765 minutes of action – as the team retained their division status.

In February 2003, after being scarcely played in his last one and a half seasons at Villarreal, the 32-year-old Gracia joined [[Córdoba CF]] in the second level, closing out his career in June of the following year.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.elperiodicomediterraneo.com/noticias/deportes/javi-gracia-berruet-presentan-cordoba_35459.html|title=Javi Gracia y Berruet se presentan con el Córdoba|trans-title=Javi Gracia and Berruet presented at Córdoba|newspaper=El Periódico Mediterráneo|language=es|date=4 February 2003|access-date=22 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://cordopolis.es/2014/10/16/javi-gracia-y-su-ultima-tarde-de-futbol-en-el-cordoba/|title=Javi Gracia y su última tarde de fútbol en el Córdoba|trans-title=Javi Gracia and his last football afternoon at Córdoba|publisher=Cordópolis|language=es|date=16 October 2014|access-date=22 January 2018}}</ref> He appeared in 229 Spanish top-tier games over the course of nine seasons, netting 17 goals.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.laopiniondemalaga.es/malagacf/2015/10/31/pitu-abelardo-javi-gracia-companeros/805692.html|title='Pitu' Abelardo y Javi Gracia: compañeros y rivales|trans-title='Pitu' Abelardo and Javi Gracia: mates and rivals|newspaper=La Opinión de Málaga|last=Criado|first=José|language=es|date=31 October 2015|access-date=21 January 2018}}</ref>

==Coaching career==
===Early years===
After starting his managerial career with the youth sides of his former club Villarreal,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://malaga.eldesmarque.com/malaga-cf/44719-calleja-gracia-es-una-referencia-para-los-entrenadores-que-venimos-de-abajo|title=Calleja: "Gracia es una referencia para los entrenadores que venimos de abajo"|trans-title=Calleja: "Gracia is a reference for us managers who come from below"|publisher=El Desmarque|language=es|date=10 February 2016|access-date=22 January 2018}}</ref> Gracia worked in the [[Segunda División B]] with [[Pontevedra CF]], [[2006–07 Segunda División B|finishing first]] and [[2007–08 Segunda División B|second]] with the team in the [[Season (sports)#Regular season|regular season]] but always falling short in the promotion playoffs.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.farodevigo.es/portada-pontevedra/2008/06/02/javi-gracia-sentare-presidente-quiero-obstaculo-club/230247.html|title=Javi Gracia: "Me sentaré con el presidente, no quiero ser un obstáculo para el club"|trans-title=Javi Gracia: "I will sit down with the president, I don't want to stand in the club's way"|newspaper=[[Faro de Vigo]]|last=Martínez|first=Juan|language=es|date=2 June 2008|access-date=21 January 2018}}</ref>

In [[2008–09 Segunda División B|2008–09]], still in the third division, Gracia finally achieved promotion, now with [[Cádiz CF]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cadiz.eldesmarque.com/noticias-cadiz/20863--sp-1714736994|title=Javi Gracia será el entrenador en Segunda|trans-title=Javi Gracia will be the manager in ''Segunda''|publisher=El Desmarque|last=Ramírez|first=Álvaro|language=es|date=26 May 2009|access-date=22 January 2018}}</ref> but he was fired midway through [[2009–10 Segunda División|the following season]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.europapress.es/deportes/futbol-00162/noticia-futbol-cadiz-destituye-entrenador-javier-gracia-20100110010959.html|title=El Cádiz destituye a su entrenador Javier Gracia|trans-title=Cádiz dismiss their manager Javi Gracia|publisher=[[Europa Press (news agency)|Europa Press]]|language=es|date=10 January 2010|access-date=15 November 2014}}</ref> as the [[Andalusia]]ns were immediately relegated. In the [[2010–11 Segunda División|2010–11 campaign]], with [[Villarreal CF B|Villarreal's reserves]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lavozdigital.es/cadiz/v/20110513/deportes/mas-futbol/excadista-javi-gracia-destituido-20110513.html|title=El excadista Javi Gracia, destituido en el Villarreal B por los malos resultados|trans-title=Ex-Cádiz Javi Gracia, dismissed in Villarreal B due to poor results|publisher=La Voz Digital|language=es|date=13 May 2011|access-date=15 November 2014}}</ref> he managed to avert a drop also in the second tier.

===Greece===
In June 2011, Gracia was hired by [[Olympiacos Volos F.C.|Olympiacos Volos FC]], who had [[2010–11 Super League Greece|finished fifth]] in the [[Super League Greece]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/2011/06/07/futbol/futbol_internacional/espanoles_mundo/1307450115.html|title=El Olympiakos Volou contrata al técnico Javi Gracia|trans-title=Olympiakos Volou hire manager Javi Gracia|newspaper=[[Marca (newspaper)|Marca]]|last=Benítez|first=Alberto|language=es|date=7 June 2011|access-date=21 January 2018}}</ref> He debuted with the first European fixtures of his managerial career, eliminating [[FK Rad]] and [[FC Differdange 03]] from the [[UEFA Europa League]] [[2011–12 UEFA Europa League qualifying phase|qualifiers]], but the team were then expelled from the top flight and European competition due to their alleged involvement in the [[Koriopolis]] match-fixing scandal.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dailysabah.com/sports/2011/07/29/olympiakos-volos-and-kavala-relegated-in-greece|title=Olympiakos Volos and Kavala relegated in Greece|newspaper=[[Daily Sabah]]|date=29 July 2011|access-date=22 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/01f4-0e792e210d13-7cb55611db1d-1000--olympiacos-volou-appeal-rejected/|title=Olympiacos Volou appeal rejected|publisher=UEFA|date=15 August 2011|access-date=22 February 2023}}</ref>

Having terminated his contract, Gracia remained in the same league for the rest of [[2011–12 Super League Greece|2011–12 season]] at [[A.O. Kerkyra]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.tovima.gr/2011/11/14/sports/anelabe-tin-texniki-igesia-tis-kerkyras-o-xabi-gkrathia/|title=Ανέλαβε την τεχνική ηγεσία της Κέρκυρας ο Χάβι Γκράθια|trans-title=Javi Gracia hired as manager of Kerkyra|newspaper=[[To Vima]]|language=el|date=14 November 2011|access-date=22 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vavel.com/es/futbol/malaga/355041.html|title=Javi Gracia, la serenidad y el trabajo a discreción al servicio de La Rosaleda|trans-title=Javi Gracia, serenity and discrete work at the service of La Rosaleda|publisher=[[Vavel]]|last=Ardila|first=Alberto|language=es|date=29 May 2014|access-date=21 January 2018}}</ref> He took the [[Corfu]]-based club to the [[2011–12 Greek Football Cup|last eight]] of the [[Greek Football Cup|national cup]], where they lost by a single goal at [[Asteras Tripolis F.C.|Asteras Tripolis FC]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sport-fm.gr/article/podosfairo/superleague1/535994|title=Σολάκης: «Έχω απωθημένο τη συμμετοχή στον τελικό»|trans-title=Solakis: "I'm afraid to participate in the final"|publisher=Sport FM|language=el|date=24 February 2012|access-date=22 February 2023}}</ref>

===Almería===
Gracia returned to his country in June 2012, being hired by [[UD Almería]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://futbol.as.com/futbol/2012/06/12/mas_futbol/1339452001_850215.html|title=Xavi Gracia, técnico del Almería|trans-title=Xavi Gracia, manager of Almería|newspaper=[[Diario AS]]|language=es|date=12 June 2012|access-date=15 November 2014}}</ref> He led the team back to the top flight in his [[2012–13 Segunda División|one season]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/es/match/108798/almer%C3%ADa-vs-girona/report|title=Almería 3–0 Girona: Los andaluces, el vigésimo pasajero de Primera|trans-title=Almería 3–0 Girona: The Andalusians, Primera's twentieth passenger|publisher=[[Goal (website)|Goal]]|language=es|date=22 June 2013|access-date=1 November 2013}}</ref> but left after failing to agree new terms.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/es/news/27/liga-de-espa%C3%B1a/2013/06/28/4080821/javi-gracia-no-seguir%C3%A1-entrenando-al-almer%C3%ADa|title=Javi Gracia no seguirá entrenando al Almería|trans-title=Javi Gracia will not continue as Almería coach|publisher=Goal|language=es|date=28 June 2013|access-date=1 November 2013}}</ref>

===Osasuna===
On 4 September 2013, Gracia was appointed at his hometown club [[CA Osasuna]] on a two-year deal, replacing the fired [[José Luis Mendilibar]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www1.skysports.com/news/12040/8906302/|title=La Liga: Osasuna name former Almeria boss Javi Gracia as their new coach|publisher=[[Sky Sports]]|date=4 September 2013|access-date=21 September 2013}}</ref> On his top-flight debut 11 days later, he lost 2–1 at [[Getafe CF]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://as.com/futbol/2013/09/15/primera/1379268160_442661.html|title=Javi Gracia: "A día de hoy somos muy blandos y muy cándidos"|trans-title=Javi Gracia: "Today we are very soft and very candid"|newspaper=Marca|language=es|date=15 September 2013|access-date=22 February 2023}}</ref> His team were relegated in 18th place on the last day, ending 14 years in the top division, despite winning 2–1 against already condemned [[Real Betis]];<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cadenaser.com/programa/2014/05/18/carrusel_deportivo/1400371939_850215.html|title=Osasuna desciende a Segunda División|trans-title=Osasuna go down to Segunda División|publisher=[[Cadena SER]]|language=es|date=18 May 2014|access-date=22 February 2023}}</ref> results included heavy defeats against his former teams and rivals Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao and a 7–0 loss at [[FC Barcelona]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/mundo/ultimas_noticias/2013/11/131102_ultnot_fubol_espana_liga_real_madrid_rayo_vallecano_az|title=El Real Madrid sufre pero le gana al Rayo|trans-title=Real Madrid suffer but beat Rayo|publisher=[[BBC Mundo]]|language=es|date=2 November 2013|access-date=22 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rtve.es/deportes/20140126/athletic-golea-pamplona-se-consolida-cuarta-plaza/861360.shtml|title=El Athletic golea en Pamplona y se consolida en la cuarta plaza|trans-title=Athletic rout in Pamplona and consolidate themselves in fourth place|publisher=[[RTVE]]|language=es|date=26 January 2014|access-date=22 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/26581728|title=Barcelona 7–0 Osasuna|publisher=BBC Sport|first=Jonathan|last=Jurejko|date=16 March 2014|access-date=22 February 2023}}</ref> but also a 3–0 home win over reigning champions [[Atlético Madrid]] on 23 February 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/26229909|title=Osasuna 3–0 Atlético Madrid|publisher=BBC Sport|date=23 February 2014|access-date=22 February 2023}}</ref>

===Málaga===
Gracia was named the new manager of [[Málaga CF]] on 30 May 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/14959/9332233/la-liga-javi-gracia-named-the-new-manager-of-malaga|title=La Liga: Javi Gracia named the new manager of Malaga|publisher=Sky Sports|date=30 May 2014|access-date=19 June 2014}}</ref> During his two-year tenure, he led the team to the [[2014–15 La Liga|ninth]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.levante-emv.com/deportes/2016/05/25/malaga-confirma-marcha-javi-gracia-12400177.html|title=El Málaga confirma la marcha de Javi Gracia al Rubin Kazán|trans-title=Málaga confirm departure of Javi Gracia to Rubin Kazan|newspaper=[[Levante-EMV]]|language=es|date=25 May 2016|access-date=26 January 2021}}</ref> and [[2015–16 La Liga|eighth position]], respectively.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/deportes/20160516/401832369046/el-malaga-repitio-el-octavo-puesto-de-las-temporadas-2001-02-y-2008-09.html|title=El Málaga repitió el octavo puesto de las temporadas 2001–02 y 2008–09|trans-title=Málaga repeated eighth place of 2001–02 and 2008–09 seasons|newspaper=[[La Vanguardia]]|language=es|date=16 May 2016|access-date=26 January 2021}}</ref>

===Rubin Kazan===
[[File:Zen-Rub16 (3).jpg|thumb|upright|Gracia with Rubin Kazan in 2016]]
Before the start of the [[2016–17 Russian Premier League|2016–17 season]], Gracia joined [[FC Rubin Kazan]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sport.es/es/noticias/liga-bbva/javi-gracia-ficha-por-rubin-kazan-5150278|title=Javi Gracia ficha por el Rubin Kazan|trans-title=Javi Gracia signs for Rubin Kazan|newspaper=[[Sport (Spanish newspaper)|Sport]]|language=es|date=22 May 2016|access-date=27 August 2017}}</ref> After only achieving a ninth-place finish in the [[Russian Premier League]], he left the club by mutual consent.<ref name=Rubin>{{cite web|url=http://rubin-kazan.ru/ru/news_items/6932-havier-grasiya-pokidaet-rubin|script-title=ru:Хавьер Грасия покидает «Рубин»|trans-title=Javier Gracia leaves Rubin|publisher=FC Rubin Kazan|language=ru|date=8 June 2017|access-date=8 June 2017}}</ref>

===Watford===
On 21 January 2018, Gracia was named the new head coach of [[Watford F.C.|Watford]] on an 18-month contract following the dismissal of [[Marco Silva]].<ref name=Watford>{{cite web|url=https://www.watfordfc.com/club/official-gracia-named-hornets-head-coach|title=Gracia named Hornets' head coach|publisher=Watford F.C.|date=21 January 2018|access-date=21 January 2018}}</ref> His first game in charge took place six days later, in a 1–0 away loss against [[Southampton F.C.|Southampton]] in [[2017–18 FA Cup|the fourth round]] of the [[FA Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/42756109|title=Southampton 1–0 Watford|publisher=BBC Sport|date=27 January 2018|access-date=27 January 2018}}</ref>

In the [[2018–19 Watford F.C. season|2018–19 campaign]], Gracia again coached the team to [[2018–19 Premier League|safety]] in the [[Premier League]], also taking them to the [[2018–19 FA Cup|final of the FA Cup]] for the first time in 35 years, and for only the second time in the club's history.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/watford-stage-classic-fa-cup-comeback-to-beat-wolves-in-semi-final-20190408-p51btx.html|title=Watford stage classic FA Cup comeback to beat Wolves in semi-final|newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=8 April 2019|access-date=13 April 2019}}</ref> He was sacked on 7 September 2019, after a poor start to the season saw them bottom with just one point.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/watford-gracia-quique-sanchez-flores-16882436|title=Quique Sanchez Flores replaces Javi Garcia at Watford as Hornets turn to former boss|newspaper=[[Evening Chronicle]]|last=Jackson|first=Elliot|date=7 September 2019|access-date=8 September 2019}}</ref>

===Valencia===
Gracia returned to Spain's top division on 27 July 2020, agreeing to a two-year deal at [[Valencia CF]].<ref name=Valencia>{{cite web|url=https://www.valenciacf.com/en/article/en-official-statement-javi-gracia-2020-07-27|title=Official statement {{!}} Javi Gracia|publisher=Valencia CF|date=27 July 2020|access-date=27 July 2020}}</ref> The following 3 May, after a 3–2 home defeat to Barcelona that left the side in 14th place, he was dismissed.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.elperiodico.com/es/barca/20210503/valencia-destituye-javi-gracia-11698205|title=El Valencia destituye al técnico Javi Gracia después de perder contra el Barça|trans-title=Valencia dismiss manager Javi Gracia after losing against Barça|newspaper=[[El Periódico de Catalunya]]|language=es|date=3 May 2021|access-date=3 May 2021}}</ref>

===Al Sadd===
On 7 December 2021, Gracia was hired by [[Al Sadd SC]] in the [[Qatar Stars League]], after his compatriot [[Xavi]] had left for Barcelona; he signed until 2023 with the option of one more year.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/19768041.former-watford-boss-javi-gracia-named-al-sadd-coach/|title=Former Watford boss Javi Gracia named Al Sadd coach|newspaper=[[Watford Observer]]|last=Gray|first=Ryan|date=7 December 2021|access-date=21 February 2022}}</ref> The following 21 February, the team [[2021–22 Qatar Stars League|retained their title]] with an 8–2 win over [[Al Ahli SC (Doha)|Al Ahli SC]].<ref name=QSL>{{cite news|url=https://www.gulf-times.com/story/710336/Unstoppable-Al-Sadd-rout-Al-Ahli-to-retain-title-i|title=Unstoppable Al Sadd rout Al Ahli to retain title in style|newspaper=[[Gulf Times]]|date=21 February 2022|access-date=21 February 2022}}</ref> He then left and was replaced by a third Spaniard, [[Juan Manuel Lillo]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/18/06/2022/lillo-replaces-gracia-as-al-sadd-coach|title=Lillo replaces Gracia as Al Sadd coach|newspaper=[[The Peninsula (newspaper)|The Peninsula]]|date=18 June 2022|access-date=22 June 2022}}</ref>

===Leeds United===
On 21 February 2023, Gracia returned to England and its top flight after replacing the sacked [[Jesse Marsch]] at the helm of [[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.leedsunited.com/news/team-news/31078/javi-gracia-agrees-to-become-leeds-united-head-coach|title=Javi Gracia agrees to become Leeds United head coach|publisher=Leeds United F.C.|date=21 February 2023|access-date=21 February 2023}}</ref> The club announced the contract would be "flexible" but did not elaborate on that statement, further saying Gracia's appointment would be subject to the issuance of a work permit.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/leeds-name-ex-watford-boss-javi-gracia-manager-2023-02-21/|title=Leeds name ex-Watford boss Javi Gracia as manager|publisher=[[Reuters]]|date=21 February 2023|access-date=21 February 2023}}</ref> His debut took place four days later, a 1–0 home win over [[Southampton F.C.|Southampton]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64686322|title=Leeds United 1–0 Southampton|publisher=BBC Sport|last=Dawkes|first=Phil|date=25 February 2023|access-date=26 February 2023}}</ref>

Gracia was sacked on 3 May 2023, leaving the side 17th on the table with four fixtures remaining.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65453934|title=Leeds set to sack manager Javi Gracia and in talks with Sam Allardyce|publisher=BBC Sport|last1=Pope|first1=Adam|last2=Falkingham|first2=Katie|date=2 May 2023|access-date=3 May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/leeds-sack-gracia-with-relegation-looming-allardyce-takes-over-2023-05-03/|title=Leeds sack Gracia with relegation looming, Allardyce takes over|publisher=Reuters|date=3 May 2023|access-date=3 May 2023}}</ref> He defended his record, noting that he had taken the team out of the relegation zone and had earned more points in his 11 games than four clubs around them.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65480493|title=Leeds United: Javi Gracia defends record after being replaced by Sam Allardyce|publisher=BBC Sport|date=4 May 2023|access-date=4 May 2023}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Gracia's parents were both teachers.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://elpais.com/deportes/2014/04/25/actualidad/1398453658_315622.html|title=“Hubiera sido futbolista toda la vida”|trans-title="I would have been a footballer all my life"|newspaper=El País|last1=Ciriza|first1=Alejandro|last2=Pérez|first2=Gorka|language=es|date=26 April 2014|access-date=22 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fa-league-cups/watford-vs-crystal-palace-javi-gracia-interview-values-premier-league-fa-cup-epl-jonathan-liew-a8824326.html|title=Watford vs Crystal Palace: 'We have values other clubs don't have. We are a family. We have solidarity' – the Javi Gracia interview|newspaper=[[The Independent]]|last=Liew|first=Jonathan|date=15 March 2019|access-date=15 March 2019}}</ref> He is married with three sons, two of whom are twins.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.watfordfc.com/teams/first-team/gracia-my-sons-are-singing-songs|title=Gracia: "My sons are singing the songs"|publisher=Watford F.C.|last=Affleck|first=Kevin|date=6 April 2019|access-date=6 April 2019}}</ref>

==Managerial statistics==
{{updated|30 April 2023}}
{| class=wikitable style="text-align: center"
|+ Managerial record by team and tenure
|-
!rowspan=2|Team
!rowspan=2|From
!rowspan=2|To
!colspan=5|Record
!rowspan=2|{{abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
!{{abbr|P|Matches played}}!!{{abbr|W|Matches won}}!!{{abbr|D|Matches drawn}}!!{{abbr|L|Matches lost}}!!{{abbr|Win %|Win percentage}}
|-
|align=left|[[Pontevedra CF|Pontevedra]]
|align=left|20 March 2007
|align=left|30 June 2008
{{WDL|57|28|19|10|decimals=2}}
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/l2644.html?temp=2006-07|title=Gracia: Javier Gracia Carlos: Matches: 2006–07|publisher=BDFutbol|access-date=3 May 2018}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/l2644.html?temp=2007-08|title=Gracia: Javier Gracia Carlos: Matches: 2007–08|publisher=BDFutbol|access-date=3 May 2018}}</ref>
|-
|align=left|[[Cádiz CF|Cádiz]]
|align=left|11 July 2008
|align=left|9 January 2010
{{WDL|63|30|16|17|decimals=2}}
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/l2644.html?temp=2008-09|title=Gracia: Javier Gracia Carlos: Matches: 2008–09|publisher=BDFutbol|access-date=3 May 2018}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/l2644.html?temp=2009-10|title=Gracia: Javier Gracia Carlos: Matches: 2009–10|publisher=BDFutbol|access-date=3 May 2018}}</ref>
|-
|align=left|[[Villarreal CF B|Villarreal B]]
|align=left|24 June 2010
|align=left|12 May 2011
{{WDL|38|14|5|19|decimals=2}}
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/l2644.html?temp=2010-11|title=Gracia: Javier Gracia Carlos: Matches: 2010–11|publisher=BDFutbol|access-date=3 May 2018}}</ref>
|-
|align=left|[[Olympiacos Volou 1937 F.C.|Olympiacos Volou]]
|align=left|7 June 2011
|align=left|24 August 2011
{{WDL|4|3|1|0|decimals=2}}
|<ref name=SW>{{Soccerway coach|xabier-gracia/164995}}</ref>
|-
|align=left|[[AO Kerkyra|Kerkyra]]
|align=left|14 November 2011
|align=left|28 March 2012
{{WDL|21|7|4|10|decimals=2}}
|<ref name=SW/>
|-
|align=left|[[UD Almería|Almería]]
|align=left|12 June 2012
|align=left|28 June 2013
{{WDL|50|28|9|13|decimals=2}}
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/l2644.html?temp=2012-13|title=Gracia: Javier Gracia Carlos: Matches: 2012–13|publisher=BDFutbol|access-date=3 May 2018}}</ref>
|-
|align=left|[[CA Osasuna|Osasuna]]
|align=left|4 September 2013
|align=left|30 May 2014
{{WDL|39|10|11|18|decimals=2}}
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/l2644.html?temp=2013-14|title=Gracia: Javier Gracia Carlos: Matches: 2013–14|publisher=BDFutbol|access-date=3 May 2018}}</ref>
|-
|align=left|[[Málaga CF|Málaga]]
|align=left|30 May 2014
|align=left|24 May 2016
{{WDL|84|28|22|34|decimals=2}}
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/l2644.html?temp=2014-15|title=Gracia: Javier Gracia Carlos: Matches: 2014–15|publisher=BDFutbol|access-date=3 May 2018}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/l2644.html?temp=2015-16|title=Gracia: Javier Gracia Carlos: Matches: 2015–16|publisher=BDFutbol|access-date=3 May 2018}}</ref>
|-
|align=left|[[FC Rubin Kazan|Rubin Kazan]]
|align=left|27 May 2016
|align=left|8 June 2017
{{WDL|34|13|8|13|decimals=2}}
|<ref name=Rubin/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thescore.com/uefa/news/1034040-javi-gracia-carlos-signs-as-rubin-kazan-boss|title=Javi Gracia Carlos signs as Rubin Kazan boss|publisher=The Score|date=27 May 2016|access-date=16 June 2016}}</ref>
|-
|align=left|[[Watford F.C.|Watford]]
|align=left|21 January 2018
|align=left|7 September 2019
{{WDL|66|25|13|28|decimals=2}}
|<ref name=Watford/>
|-
|align=left|[[Valencia CF|Valencia]]
|align=left|27 July 2020
|align=left|3 May 2021
{{WDL|38|10|13|15|decimals=2}}
|<ref name=Valencia/>
|-
|align=left|[[Al Sadd SC|Al Sadd]]
|align=left|7 December 2021
|align=left|18 June 2022
{{WDL|22|16|2|4|decimals=2}}
|
|-
|align=left|[[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]]
|align=left|21 February 2023
|align=left|3 May 2023
{{WDL|12|3|2|7|decimals=2}}
|
|-
!colspan=3|Career total
{{WDLtot|528|215|125|188|decimals=2}}
!—
|}

==Honours==
===Player===
'''Lleida'''
*[[Segunda División]]: [[1992–93 Segunda División|1992–93]]<ref name=MD/>

===Manager===
'''Pontevedra'''
*[[Segunda División B]]: [[2006–07 Segunda División B|2006–07]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.farodevigo.es/deportes/2997/pontevedra-campeon-desmotivado-pajara/137201.html|title=El Pontevedra, campeón desmotivado ante el Pájara|trans-title=Pontevedra, unmotivated champions against Pájara|newspaper=Faro de Vigo|language=es|date=21 May 2007|access-date=27 June 2019}}</ref>

'''Cádiz'''
*Segunda División B: [[2008–09 Segunda División B|2008–09]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eldesmarque.com/cadiz/cadiz-cf/noticias-cadiz/165552-el-aniversario-de-dos-ascensos-cadistas|title=El aniversario de dos ascensos cadistas|trans-title=Anniversary of two Cádiz promotions|publisher=El Desmarque|last=Jiménez|first=Francisco José|language=es|date=24 May 2019|access-date=27 June 2019}}</ref>

'''Watford'''
*[[FA Cup]] runner-up: [[2018–19 FA Cup|2018–19]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48236232|title=Manchester City 6–0 Watford|last=McNulty|first=Phil|publisher=BBC Sport|date=18 May 2019|access-date=8 June 2019}}</ref>

'''Al Sadd'''
*[[Qatar Stars League]]: [[2021–22 Qatar Stars League|2021–22]]<ref name=QSL/>

'''Individual'''
*[[Premier League Manager of the Month]]: [[2018–19 Premier League#Monthly awards|August 2018]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.premierleague.com/managers/33006/Javier-Gracia/overview|title=Manager profile: Javier Gracia|publisher=[[Premier League]]|access-date=19 September 2018}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commonscat|Javier Gracia Carlos}}
*{{BDFutbol|2644}}
*{{BDFutbol manager|2644}}
*{{Athletic Bilbao profile|xabier-gracia-carlos}}

{{Navboxes
|title=Managerial positions
|list1=
{{Pontevedra CF managers}}
{{Cádiz CF managers}}
{{Villarreal CF B managers}}
{{UD Almería managers}}
{{CA Osasuna managers}}
{{Málaga CF managers}}
{{Valencia CF managers}}
{{Olympiacos Volos F.C. managers}}
{{Kerkyra FC managers}}
{{FC Rubin Kazan managers}}
{{Watford F.C. managers}}
{{Leeds United F.C. managers}}
{{Al Sadd SC managers}}
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gracia, Javi}}
[[Category:1970 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Spanish footballers]]
[[Category:Footballers from Pamplona]]
[[Category:Association football midfielders]]
[[Category:La Liga players]]
[[Category:Segunda División players]]
[[Category:Bilbao Athletic footballers]]
[[Category:Athletic Bilbao footballers]]
[[Category:UE Lleida players]]
[[Category:Real Valladolid players]]
[[Category:Real Sociedad footballers]]
[[Category:Villarreal CF players]]
[[Category:Córdoba CF players]]
[[Category:Spain youth international footballers]]
[[Category:Spain under-21 international footballers]]
[[Category:Spanish football managers]]
[[Category:La Liga managers]]
[[Category:Segunda División managers]]
[[Category:Segunda División B managers]]
[[Category:Pontevedra CF managers]]
[[Category:Cádiz CF managers]]
[[Category:Villarreal CF B managers]]
[[Category:UD Almería managers]]
[[Category:CA Osasuna managers]]
[[Category:Málaga CF managers]]
[[Category:Valencia CF managers]]
[[Category:Super League Greece managers]]
[[Category:Olympiacos Volos F.C. managers]]
[[Category:A.O. Kerkyra managers]]
[[Category:Russian Premier League managers]]
[[Category:FC Rubin Kazan managers]]
[[Category:Premier League managers]]
[[Category:Watford F.C. managers]]
[[Category:Leeds United F.C. managers]]
[[Category:Qatar Stars League managers]]
[[Category:Al Sadd SC managers]]
[[Category:Spanish expatriate football managers]]
[[Category:Expatriate football managers in Greece]]
[[Category:Expatriate football managers in Russia]]
[[Category:Expatriate football managers in England]]
[[Category:Expatriate football managers in Qatar]]
[[Category:Spanish expatriate sportspeople in Greece]]
[[Category:Spanish expatriate sportspeople in Russia]]
[[Category:Spanish expatriate sportspeople in England]]
[[Category:Spanish expatriate sportspeople in Qatar]]
[[Category:Villarreal CF non-playing staff]]

Wikipedia - User contributions [en]

Javi Gracia