According to The Athletic, Crystal Palace have given consideration to hiring Javi Gracia as Roy Hodgson’s replacement.
What’s the story?
Well, in a detailed analysis of where the Eagles go from here after Lucien Favre’s shock U-turn, The Athletic made the revelation.
They claim that Crystal Palace have considered appointing the ex-Watford manager, who is currently unemployed after leaving Valencia.
Now, this is a rare new face in this protracted saga to find Hodgson’s replacement.
We’ve heard the likes of Sean Dyche, Frank Lampard and Steve Cooper mentioned over and over again.
However, Gracia’s name has not come up once.
The Spaniard is certainly an interesting candidate, given how his time at Watford ended.
Javi Gracia represents a big risk
If a Premier League rival has sacked a manager, there will always be alarm bells surrounding his name.
So, the fact that Watford once handed Gracia his P45 means this option is a big risk for Crystal Palace.
If he’s not good enough for Watford, then why would the Eagles want him?
In fairness, Gracia largely impressed at Vicarage Road, winning 18 of his 56 Premier League games while guiding Watford to the FA Cup final.
Despite that, the south Londoners need a safer pair of hands.
As things stand, Crystal Palace have ten senior players returning for pre-season training on July 5th.
This is a mammoth task, and one that we don’t feel Gracia is fit to tackle.
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