The Hornets Part Ways With Their Manager Following 10 Games and Bring Back Former Boss as Manager
Watford Football Club have taken the decision to terminate Paulo Pezzolano's tenure after only a brief period and 10 games in control, confirming the return of former boss Javi Gracia as his successor.
Reports suggest that Pezzolano, appointed in the spring to take over from Tom Cleverley, along with his backroom team, were instructed not to lead practice on Wednesday as rumors about his exit mounted on Tuesday.
Pezzolano was summoned for a meeting where he became the 11th head coach Watford have let go since the start of 2020.
"We are delighted to reappoint Javi," stated Watford's chairman and CEO. "His enthusiasm, guidance and clear strategy will foster stability, togetherness and momentum.
"We believe there are many supporters who wished Gracia had stayed on in the past. With this young and exciting team, we are certain his experience and attributes are precisely what we need at this moment."
The returning manager previously led Watford to the FA Cup final for the only other occasion in their history in 2019, but was dismissed a few matches into the next season and last managed at Leeds in 2023.
"For me, the emotion I have in this moment is that I'm going back to a familiar place. It was the happiest time of my career," he stated. "I have fond memories and we have loose ends here. For us, it's a further important step in our career.
"This is a unique opportunity for us, and at the same time we are very ambitious for this season. If we are united, we are stronger."
Pezzolano's sacking comes even after the team's victory against Oxford United at their home ground on the weekend, which lifted them to 11th in the second tier after a difficult opening that earned a handful of points from the initial six matches.
The Uruguayan is reportedly left disappointed by the decision to sack him, having guided the side to a three-match unbeaten run that also included a victory at home over Hull and a tie at Fratton Park, leaving them within touching distance off the promotion playoffs.
The coach arrived shortly after the conclusion of the previous campaign with a proven track record of leading teams to advancement in Spain, South America and his home country.
