Javi Gracia has resigned as Watford manager after just three months in the role following Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Swansea.

Gracia, who returned for a second spell as Watford boss in October, called for a meeting with owner Gino Pozzo after the defeat at Vicarage Road, saying the team were in a “difficult moment”.

Watford are without a win in four Championship games and currently sit 10th in the Championship, four points off the play-off spots.

Charlie Daniels, Dan Gosling and Adrian Mariappa will be in the dugout for the Hornets for their trip to Hull City on Tuesday.

A club statement said: “The club is saddened and disappointed to confirm the resignation of Javi Gracia as head coach.

“We maintain the belief that Javi is the right person to lead the club in its push for promotion, but Javi felt that he no longer had the motivation and was not the right person to coach this exciting group of young players.

“We respect their decision and accept their wish to leave Vicarage Road with immediate effect.

“Charlie Daniels, Dan Gosling and Adrian Mariappa will take charge of the team against Hull City on Tuesday night. We are well placed in the Championship, with a game in hand and 17 games remaining and four points off the play-offs.

“Everyone at the club believes wholeheartedly that this is a team that is challenging for promotion.

“We would like to thank Javi and his team for his work during his two spells at the club. We wish him and his family all the best and they will always have a very warm welcome at Watford.”