Ex-Watford Manager Javi Garcia Takes Over Valencia

Javi Garcia with Watford in 2019. Photo by Richard Lee/BPI/Shutterstock

Valencia has found a new head coach after parting ways with Albert Celades following a disappointing 2019/20 season. La Liga side recently confirmed that Javi Garcia, former Watford and Malaga manager, will take over the club permanently.

According to the club’s official announcement, Garcia inked a two-year deal with Valencia. He was jobless since September when he was fired by Watford after opening the season with just one point in four games.

“I believe that I am in an exceptional place,” said Garcia during his introductory press conference. “I am fortunate to be able to coach at this club. I am here today coaching Valencia CF thanks to all of those clubs and players who I have overseen, who have helped me to be who I am. For me, Valencia CF are my team now, and I am going to defend the club above anything else.”

Garcia will be Valencia’s fourth manager in less than a year. The club entered the 2019/20 with Marcelino at the helm but decided to part ways with the 54-year-old Spaniard after just three games into the season. Celades took over from him, posting a 36.59 winning percentage in 41 games before being fired as well. Finally, Salvador González “Voro” guided the club to the end of the season on an interim basis.

Javi Garcia worked all over Europe during his managerial career, coaching clubs like Pontevedra, Cádiz, Olympiacos Volou, Almeria, Rubin Kazan, and Watford among others. His biggest success was winning Segunda División B with both Pontevedra and Cádiz, as well as being FA Cup runner-up with Watford.

An interesting curiosity about Garcia is that he never spent more than two years with one club.