Watford Sack Paulo Pezzolano Following a 10-Match Stint and Reappoint Javi Gracia as Head Coach
The Championship side have taken the decision to terminate Paulo Pezzolano's contract after just a brief period and 10 games in control, confirming the return of ex-manager Javi Gracia as his successor.
Reports suggest that Pezzolano, who was hired in the spring to replace Tom Cleverley, along with his technical staff, were instructed not to lead practice on Wednesday as rumors about his imminent departure grew on the previous day.
Pezzolano was called to a discussion 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 welcome back Javi," said Watford's chairman and CEO. "His passion, leadership and well-defined plan will help us build consistency, togetherness and positive energy.
"We are sure many fans who hoped Javi had never departed in the past. With this young and exciting squad, we are convinced his experience and attributes are precisely what we need now."
The returning manager guided the team to the FA Cup final for the second time in the club's history in that year, but was dismissed 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 going back home. It was the most enjoyable period of my professional life," Gracia stated. "There are very good recollections and we have unfinished business here. For us, it's a further significant move in our career.
"It is a unique opportunity for us, and simultaneously we are highly motivated for this season. If we are together, we are stronger."
The decision to remove Pezzolano arrives despite the team's victory against Oxford United at Vicarage Road on Saturday, which moved them to 11th in the second tier after a difficult opening that yielded five points from the first six games.
Pezzolano is said to have departed dismayed by the decision to sack him, having led the side to a three-match unbeaten run that also included a victory at home over Hull and a draw at Fratton Park, leaving them three points off the promotion playoffs.
The coach arrived soon after the end of last season with a proven track record of guiding clubs to advancement in Spain, South America and Uruguay.
