Watford vs Wolves: Reaching FA Cup final would be greatest moment of my career, says Javi Gracia
The Hornets are also within reach of a European spot via the league after victories against Manchester United and Fulham
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Javi Gracia says getting Watford to the FA Cup final would be the greatest moment of his career.
The Spaniard, 48, is in the rare position of being a Hornets manager with a more than fair chance of still being there the following season.
Only Wolverhampton Wanderers can prevent Watford from playing in their first FA Cup final since 1984, when they were beaten 2-0 by Everton when Graham Taylor was manager.
Watford are also in with a good chance of European qualification through their Premier League placing under the amiable Gracia, which would arguably be a greater achievement than getting past fellow contenders for the same two targets at Wembley tomorrow.
But Gracia, who suffered domestic cup semi-final disappointment when manager of Rubin Kazan in 2017, was keen to return to the national stadium next month as well.
“I reached semi-finals in Russia but a final I never played and it would be the best achievement in my career for sure,” he said. “If I win it I don’t know what I would do!
“It is something special this season because we worked really hard in pre-season and in all competitions and now we have the opportunity to enjoy with the supporters at Wembley one special game.
“It is very good for all the squad. We have 26 players who have all done well in different moments. It is a good reward for all of them, not just the 11 players who play the next game. It is something different for our supporters and I am happy they have the chance to enjoy going to Wembley.
“We will see how everything finishes but at the moment we have to keep our ambition. This is the moment where we have to make a step forward and keep all the good things we have achieved before – 46 points is the best we have had in the Premier League.”
Gracia was convinced that getting the better of Wolves at Wembley would also be a major boost in a battle for seventh place that also includes Everton and West Ham.
“I am sure of that,” he said. “If we are able to achieve the final I’m sure for the next six games, playing four of them at home, we will be able to achieve more points.”
Midfielder Tom Cleverley is the only first teamer who will not feature as he has a calf injury.
Gracia has a decision to make over his goalkeeper however, having picked Heurelho Gomes, who will leave at the end of the season, in cup games so far.
The Brazilian was highly emotional after the sixth round win over Crystal Palace as he knew it would be his final game at Vicarage Road. But whether he will get the nod ahead of first-choice Ben Foster with silverware at stake remains to be seen.
“My opinion about Heurelho is that first of all he’s an amazing person and after that he’s a very good professional,” Gracia said. “I have to choose only one keeper. I have three very good options. It’s not easy but it’s my job and I try to do as I usually do to choose the player who will give us the best chance to win.”
Whatever starting XI Gracia decides to pick the Spaniard expects those who do not start to swallow their disappointment and buy into the bigger picture.
It’s up to the players,” he said. “It depends on them. If you have good professionals it’s easy to work with them and explain the things you want to do, to create that feeling of belonging. The secret is to have good people.
“We have one of the best dressing-rooms I’ve ever been in. We have never had a big problem and they always try to be very respectful with all the rules and the things we speak about.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments