The Hornets Dismiss Their Manager After 10 Games and Reappoint Javi Gracia as Manager
Watford Football Club have taken the decision to end Paulo Pezzolano's contract after only five months and 10 matches in charge, confirming the reappointment of ex-manager the Spanish coach as his successor.
It is understood that Pezzolano, who was hired in May to take over from Tom Cleverley, along with his technical staff, were told not to lead practice on Wednesday as rumors about his imminent departure mounted on the previous day.
Pezzolano was called to a meeting where he became the 11th head coach Watford have moved on since the start of the year 2020.
"We are very pleased to reappoint Javi," stated Watford's chairman and CEO. "His enthusiasm, guidance and clear strategy will help us build consistency, togetherness and positive energy.
"We believe many fans who wished Javi had stayed on in 2019. With this talented team, we are convinced his know-how and qualities are exactly what we need now."
Gracia previously led Watford to the FA Cup showpiece for the only other occasion in their history in that year, but was sacked several games into the following campaign and most recently coached at Leeds in 2023.
"For me, the emotion I have right now is that I'm returning to a familiar place. It was the most enjoyable time of my professional life," he remarked. "There are fond memories and we have unfinished business here. For us, it's a further important step in our journey.
"It is a unique opportunity for us, and simultaneously we are highly motivated for this season. If we are together, we are more powerful."
Pezzolano's sacking arrives despite the team's victory against Oxford at Vicarage Road on Saturday, which moved them to eleventh place in the second tier after a difficult opening that yielded a handful of points from the first six games.
The Uruguayan is said to have departed dismayed by the call to sack him, having led the side to a undefeated streak of three games that featured a victory at home over Hull and a tie at Fratton Park, placing them three points off the promotion playoffs.
Pezzolano arrived soon after the conclusion of the previous campaign with a proven track record of guiding clubs to promotion in Spain, South America and Uruguay.
