Watford Sack Paulo Pezzolano After a 10-Match Stint and Reappoint Javi Gracia as Manager
Watford Football Club have taken the decision to terminate their manager's contract after only a brief period and 10 games in control, announcing the reappointment of former boss the Spanish coach as his replacement.
It is understood that Pezzolano, appointed in May to take over from the interim manager, along with his technical staff, were told not to lead training on midweek as speculation about his exit grew on the previous day.
The 40-year-old was called to a discussion where he became the 11th head coach Watford have moved on since the beginning of 2020.
"The club is very pleased to welcome back Gracia," stated Watford's chairman and CEO. "His enthusiasm, leadership and well-defined plan will foster consistency, unity and positive energy.
"We believe many fans who hoped Javi had stayed on in 2019. With this talented squad, we are certain his experience and qualities are exactly what we need now."
Gracia guided Watford to the FA Cup final for the second time in the club's history in 2019, but was sacked a few matches into the next season and last managed at Leeds United in 2023.
"For me, the feeling I have right now is that I'm going back home. It was the most enjoyable time of my career," Gracia remarked. "I have very good memories and we have unfinished business at Watford. For us, it's another significant move in our journey.
"It is something special for us, and at the same time we are very ambitious for this season. If we are together, we are more powerful."
The decision to remove Pezzolano comes even after the team's victory against Oxford United at Vicarage Road on Saturday, which moved them to eleventh place in the Championship after a difficult opening that earned a handful of points from the initial six matches.
Pezzolano is reportedly left dismayed by the decision to let him go, having guided Watford to a undefeated streak of three games that featured a victory at home over Hull and a tie at Portsmouth, placing them within touching distance off the promotion playoffs.
Pezzolano arrived soon after the end of the previous campaign with a proven track record of guiding teams to promotion in Spain, South America and Uruguay.
