Watford have appointed the former Atlético Madrid coach Quique Sánchez Flores as their manager.
The club had been in talks to extend the contract of Slavisa Jokanovic, who achieved promotion to the Premier League. However, after those negotiations broke down over salary demands, Watford moved to secure the services of Flores.
Flores brings an impressive CV to England, the 50-year-old having guided Atlético to the Europa League title in 2010 – beating Fulham in the final – as well as coaching in Portugal at Benfica and more recently with Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates.
As part of the new coaching set-up, Dean Austin will remain on the staff, having returned to the club in January as part of Jokanovic’s backroom team, while Flores is to be assisted by Alberto Diaz and Antonio Carlavilla.
Jokanovic, the former Chelsea defender, had been appointed as Watford’s fourth coach of the season in October, and would go on to guide the club back into the Premier League as runners-up to Bournemouth. Watford, though, were unable to reach an agreement over terms of a new deal.
Watford put on record the club’s appreciation for the outgoing management team.
A statement on their website read: “Watford FC would like to take this opportunity to thank former head coach Slavisa Jokanovic, along with assistants Ruben Martinez and Javier Pereira, for an outstanding contribution to the success of the club. The Hornets wish all three men well for their future careers.”
Jokanovic also sent a message to Watford following confirmation of his departure.
He wrote on Twitter: “Thank you to Watford FC fans, players and staff for their support during this season. I’m proud to have had the chance to help put this club back where they truly deserve to be. I wish you all the best in the future.”
The Hertfordshire club has already made moves to strengthen the squad, with the free transfer signing of the Austrian defender Sebastian Prodl and Lithuanian goalkeeper Giedrius Arlauskis.