Javi Gracia has said he was surprised by his "abrupt" sacking as Watford manager after leading the Premier League club to their highest finish last season.
Watford, who have one point from four matches, dismissed Gracia on Saturday, bringing an end to a 20-month tenure during which he helped them finish 11th last season and reach the FA Cup final. He was replaced by fellow Spaniard Quique Sanchez Flores.
"After the unexpected announcement about the termination of my contract ... I want to express my surprise after completing the best season in Watford's history," Gracia said in a statement released to the British media.