Chelsea put Watford boss Gracia on shortlist to replace Sarri if Blues do not make Champions League spots
WATFORD boss Javi Gracia has been shortlisted to replace Maurizio Sarri if Chelsea fail to qualify for the Champions League next season, according to reports.
If sacked, the Italian coach could head back to his homeland with Roma interested in his services.
Sarri, 60, was off to a brilliant start at Stamford Bridge, kicking off his Chelsea reign with a 12-match unbeaten run in the Premier League.
But the Blues have since then suffered a form drop which seriously dented their hopes of playing Champions League football next season.
Sarri has stubbornly sticked to his tactics, with the infamous "Sarriball" often bringing results opposite of expected.
The 6-0 humiliation at Manchester City in February seemed to be the final straw for the Italian, who has been dealing with the wrath of Blues supporters since then.
And although he has endured the difficult spell, he could still lose his job if he failed to secure Champions League qualification, according to Daily Record.
Watford boss Gracia, 48, is reportedly among candidates to replace Sarri as Blues chiefs have been impressed with his work at Vicarage Road.
The Hornets will lock horns with City in the FA Cup final next month and can still make one of the Europa League qualifying spots this season.
Meanwhile Sarri could head back to Italy with Roma believed to be a likely destination for the former Napoli man.
The Serie A giants fired coach Eusebio di Francesco earlier this year and have handed the job to Claudio Ranieri until the end of the season.
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Following yesterday's defeat to Liverpool, Chelsea will slip into fifth if Arsenal beat Gracia's Watford tonight.
But the Blues can also return to the Champions League by winning the Europa League title.
Sarri's men host Slavia Prague in a quarter-finals clash on Thursday with a one-goal advantage.
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