Watford Sack Their Manager Following a 10-Match Stint and Reappoint Javi Gracia as Head Coach
The Championship side have taken the move to end Paulo Pezzolano's tenure after only five months and 10 matches in control, announcing the reappointment of ex-manager the Spanish coach as his replacement.
It is understood that Pezzolano, who was hired in the spring to take over from Tom Cleverley, along with his backroom team, were instructed not to take training on midweek as speculation about his imminent departure grew on Tuesday.
Pezzolano was summoned for a meeting where he was named the 11th manager the club have moved on since the beginning of the year 2020.
"The club is very pleased to reappoint Gracia," stated Watford's chairman and CEO. "His enthusiasm, leadership and well-defined plan will foster consistency, togetherness and momentum.
"We believe many fans who wished Javi had never departed in the past. With this talented team, we are convinced his know-how and qualities are exactly what we need at this moment."
The returning manager guided Watford to the FA Cup showpiece for the only other occasion in their history in 2019, but was dismissed several games into the next season and last managed at Leeds in 2023.
"For me, the emotion I have in this moment is that I'm returning home. It was the most enjoyable time of my career," he remarked. "There are very good memories and we have loose ends here. For us, it's a further important step in our journey.
"This is something special for us, and simultaneously we are highly motivated for this season. If we are together, we are more powerful."
Pezzolano's sacking comes despite the team's win against Oxford United at Vicarage Road on the weekend, which lifted them to 11th in the second tier after a slow start that yielded five points from the first six games.
The Uruguayan is reportedly left dismayed by the decision to sack him, having guided Watford to a three-match unbeaten run that also included a victory at home over Hull and a draw at Portsmouth, leaving them within touching distance off the promotion playoffs.
Pezzolano arrived shortly after the conclusion of the previous campaign with a proven track record of leading clubs to advancement in La Liga, South America and Uruguay.
