The Hornets Sack Paulo Pezzolano Following 10 Games and Reappoint Former Boss as Manager
Watford Football Club have taken the move to terminate Paulo Pezzolano's contract after just a brief period and 10 games in control, announcing the reappointment of ex-manager the Spanish coach as his successor.
Reports suggest that the Uruguayan coach, who was hired in the spring to replace Tom Cleverley, along with his technical staff, were told not to lead practice on midweek as rumors about his imminent departure grew on Tuesday.
Pezzolano was summoned for a discussion where he was named the 11th head coach Watford have let go since the start of 2020.
"The club is delighted to welcome back Javi," stated Watford's chairman and CEO. "His passion, leadership and clear strategy will help us build stability, unity and positive energy.
"We are sure many fans who wished Gracia had stayed on in the past. With this young and exciting team, we are convinced his know-how and qualities are exactly what we need now."
Gracia previously led the team to the FA Cup final for the only other occasion in the club's history in that year, but was sacked a few matches into the following campaign and last managed at Leeds in 2023.
"Personally, the feeling I have right now is that I'm returning home. It was the most enjoyable time of my career," he remarked. "There are fond recollections and we have loose ends at Watford. For us, it's another significant move in our career.
"It is a unique opportunity for us, and at the same time we are very ambitious for this campaign. If we are united, we are stronger."
Pezzolano's sacking comes even after their win against Oxford United at Vicarage Road on Saturday, which lifted them to eleventh place in the Championship after a difficult opening that earned a handful of points from the first six games.
Pezzolano is reportedly departed dismayed by the decision to let him go, having guided Watford to a undefeated streak of three games that also included a home win over Hull and a tie at Fratton Park, leaving them three points off the playoff places.
The coach arrived shortly after the end of last season with a proven track record of guiding clubs to advancement in La Liga, Brazil and his home country.
