Watford Dismiss Paulo Pezzolano Following a 10-Match Stint and Reappoint Javi Gracia as Head Coach
Watford Football Club have made the decision to end their manager's contract after only a brief period and 10 games in control, confirming the return of ex-manager the Spanish coach as his replacement.
Reports suggest that Pezzolano, appointed in May to take over from Tom Cleverley, along with his backroom team, were instructed not to take practice on midweek as rumors about his exit grew on the previous day.
Pezzolano was summoned for a discussion where he was named the 11th manager Watford have let go since the start of the year 2020.
"We are delighted to reappoint Javi," said the club's chief executive. "His enthusiasm, guidance and well-defined plan will foster stability, togetherness and momentum.
"We are sure many fans who wished Javi had never departed in 2019. With this young and exciting team, we are certain his know-how and attributes are precisely what we require now."
The returning manager guided the team to the FA Cup final for the only other occasion in their history in that year, but was dismissed several games into the next season and most recently coached at Leeds in 2023.
"Personally, the emotion I have right now is that I'm going back to a familiar place. It was the happiest period of my professional life," Gracia remarked. "There are fond memories and we have loose ends at Watford. For us, it's another significant move in our career.
"It is something special for us, and simultaneously we are very ambitious for this season. If we are united, we are stronger."
Pezzolano's sacking arrives despite their victory against Oxford at Vicarage Road on the weekend, which lifted them to 11th in the Championship after a slow start that yielded a handful of points from the initial six matches.
The Uruguayan is said to have left dismayed by the call to sack him, having led Watford to a three-match unbeaten run that also included a victory at home over Hull City and a tie at Fratton Park, leaving them within touching distance off the promotion playoffs.
The coach arrived soon after the end of last season with a strong record of guiding clubs to advancement in La Liga, Brazil and Uruguay.
