Watford Sack Paulo Pezzolano Following 10 Games and Reappoint Former Boss as Manager
Watford Football Club have taken the decision to end Paulo Pezzolano's contract after only a brief period and 10 matches in control, confirming the reappointment of ex-manager Javi Gracia as his successor.
Reports suggest that the Uruguayan coach, appointed in May to take over from Tom Cleverley, along with his technical staff, were told not to take training on Wednesday as speculation about his imminent departure grew on Tuesday.
Pezzolano was summoned for a meeting where he was named the 11th manager Watford have moved on since the beginning of 2020.
"We are delighted to reappoint Javi," stated the club's chief executive. "His enthusiasm, guidance and well-defined plan will help us build stability, togetherness and momentum.
"We believe many fans who wished Gracia had never departed in 2019. With this talented team, we are convinced his know-how and qualities are precisely what we require at this moment."
The returning manager previously led the team to the FA Cup showpiece for the only other occasion in their history in that year, but was sacked a few matches into the following campaign and most recently coached at Leeds United in 2023.
"Personally, the emotion I have right now is that I'm returning to a familiar place. It was the happiest period of my professional life," he remarked. "I have very good recollections and we have loose ends here. For us, it's a further important step in our career.
"It is something special for us, and at the same time we are very ambitious for this season. If we are united, we are stronger."
The decision to remove Pezzolano arrives even after their win against Oxford at their home ground on the weekend, which lifted them to 11th in the Championship after a slow start that yielded a handful of points from the first six games.
The Uruguayan is reportedly departed dismayed by the decision to let him go, having led the side to a three-match unbeaten run that featured a home win over Hull City and a draw at Portsmouth, placing them within touching distance off the promotion playoffs.
The coach joined shortly after the conclusion of the previous campaign with a proven track record of guiding teams to advancement in Spain, South America and his home country.