Spanish manager Diego Martinez could be under consideration to become the next manager at Watford.
The Hornets are looking for a new man in the dugout after Javi Gracia’s surprise resignation at the weekend.
Interim head coach Charlie Daniels has put his cards on the table by stating he wants the job on a full-time basis, while Will Still is the current favourite to become the next Watford Manager.
Why Watford Could Appoint Diego Martinez
Martinez is currently out of work after he failed to keep Las Palmas in La Liga at the end of the last season.
The 45-year-old Spaniard is held in high regard by Watford owner Gino Pozzo due to the success he had during his time at Granada.
Martinez was appointed Granada boss in 2018, two years after Pozzo had sold his shares in the club.
During Pozzo’s reign, he gained back-to-back promotions and secured top-flight football for the first time in 35 years.
Martinez then continued the success that was built under the Italian’s regime, finishing seventh in La Liga while also reaching the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
Many of the players Martínez coached at Granada were former Pozzo-owned or scouted players.
He is also cut from the same cloth as other Pozzo favourites like Gracia or Quique Sánchez Flores—tactically disciplined and experienced in managing high-pressure environments.
Martinez carries plenty of managerial experience with stints at Olympiacos, Espanyol and Osasuna.
Diego Martinez Studied The English Game
While he’s never managed in England, he was linked with the vacant Watford position four years ago following the dismissal of Claudio Ranieri.
After departing Granada in 2021, he spent time in the UK attending football matches and spending time with fellow managers.
Notable figures include Pep Guardiola, Rafa Benitez at Everton and Xisco Munoz during his spell at Watford.
He also explored the lower tiers, such as Biggleswade United, when they were under the ownership of Spaniard Guillem Balague.
Who Else Is Linked With Watford?
Pozzo will need to decide whether to stick with Daniels until the end of the season, when a larger pool of managerial targets will be available, or make a swift appointment.
Daniels watched his side draw 0-0 away at Hull City during the week, and his side impressed for long periods.
Watford currently sit in eighth, just three points off the play-offs and will still fancy their chances of forcing a way into the top six, given the wide-open nature of the Championship.
Alongside Still, who was sacked from Southampton earlier in the season, former Leicester boss Marti Cifuentes is also being linked.
Ex-Blackburn Rovers manager Jon Dahl Tomasson is currently 8/1, ahead of David Wagner.
Martinez is currently 10/1 to take the vacant position.
