Watford defender Marc Bola believes the upcoming international break offers the perfect window for the Hornets to reset and improve under returning head coach Javi Gracia.
After a punishing run of 3 matches in 6 days, Watford head into the break on the back of a 1-1 draw with Bristol City at Vicarage Road, a result that saw Bola score his first goal for the club.
Bola Relishes Chance to Reset
The 26-year-old, who joined the Hornets in the summer, admitted the recent schedule has left little time for meaningful work on the training ground. With no fixture until after the international window, he sees the break as an important opportunity to regroup and fine-tune Gracia’s tactical plans.
Off the Marc 🎯 pic.twitter.com/S8Wrbvb7ms
— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) November 9, 2025
“We’ve got a few days off now, but come Tuesday we’ll be back on it,” Bola said after the draw. “We haven’t really done much training because we’ve been playing back-to-back.
“We want to just get better, get used to playing with different players in different positions. The gaffer’s firm but he’s got us working the right way, so I think this international break will be good for us.”
Bola’s strike against the Robins capped a solid defensive performance, and his words echo the growing belief within the squad that Gracia’s methods are beginning to take shape.
The head coach’s decision to switch systems mid-match, moving to a back 5, showcased his flexibility and willingness to adapt. For a team still adjusting to his second spell in charge, the coming fortnight could be pivotal.
Gracia Focused on the Future
While the international break offers Gracia a brief respite from the Championship’s relentless tempo, the Spaniard made it clear his attention remains firmly on Watford’s progression rather than reflection.
“Before starting, I said it would be a difficult schedule playing many teams at the top of the table,” Gracia told the club’s media.
“Now we have to focus on training better, trying to be the best team in our sessions. That’s how we’ll give ourselves more options to get the results we expect.”
The 55-year-old confirmed he plans to spend a few days in Spain with his family before returning to London Colney to lead training next week. Since rejoining Watford in October, Gracia has overseen 6 matches and slowly reintroduced the high-intensity style that defined his first tenure at the club.
The newest Hornet has landed ✈️
Welcome to Watford, Marc! 💛 pic.twitter.com/3F0LshZl4w
— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) June 6, 2025
Despite mixed results, optimism persists that the Hornets are trending in the right direction. Bola’s emergence, combined with improved performances from key players such as Ismael Kone and Emmanuel Dennis, suggests the squad is beginning to adapt to Gracia’s demands.
For Gracia and his players, the challenge now is to convert encouraging performances into consistent results. With time to recover, reflect, and reset, Watford’s season could hinge on how they use this international window to prepare for the crucial run ahead.
