Javi Gracia deserves more recognition for Watford achievements

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The nominees for the Premier League’s manager of the year award was announced and there was a surprise exclusion in the form of the Watford manager.

Expected names Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp and Nuno Espirito Santo made the cut along with Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino but Javi Gracia missed out despite having an incredible season with the Hornets.

Watford are currently 10th in the league which, in all fairness, isn’t an ideal position for the winner of the manager of the year award. However, considering how Hornets were before the appointment of Gracia last season, the Spaniard has worked wonders at Vicarage Road this campaign.

Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp are deservedly on the list considering their position in the league table but with the amount of money spent and the quality of the players in their respective squads, their achievements this season should be the minimum expectations.

Nuno Espirito Santo should be the outright favourite to clinch the award after a guaranteed 7th placed finish in his first season in the Premier League. However, Mauricio Pochettino’s inclusion in the list comes in as a huge surprise.

Spurs, despite almost guaranteed a top-four finish, have had an above average season at best in the Premier League. Pochettino’s men have suffered 13 losses in the league this season – the worst record in the top seven and just 2 losses lesser than Watford.

Pochettino has done a remarkable job considering the fact that Spurs failed to sign a single player in the last two transfer windows but 13 losses in a Premier League season is a shocking record for a manager who possesses the likes of Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen, Son Heung-min and Dele Alli at his disposal.

Javi Gracia will achieve Watford’s highest ever finish to a Premier League season irrespective of what happens on the final day and a trip to Wembley for the FA Cup final is just the icing on the cake. Javi Gracia has every reason to be disappointed but he can sure be proud of his team’s performances this season.