The Hornets Dismiss Paulo Pezzolano Following 10 Games and Bring Back Javi Gracia as Manager
Watford Football Club have taken the decision to end Paulo Pezzolano's contract after only a brief period and 10 matches in control, confirming the return of ex-manager Javi Gracia as his replacement.
Reports suggest that Pezzolano, appointed in the spring to replace the interim manager, along with his technical staff, were told not to take training on midweek as speculation about his exit grew on Tuesday.
Pezzolano was summoned for a meeting where he was named the 11th head coach the club have let go since the beginning of 2020.
"We are delighted to welcome back Javi," said Watford's chairman and CEO. "His enthusiasm, guidance and well-defined plan will foster stability, unity and positive energy.
"We believe there are many supporters who hoped Gracia had stayed on in 2019. With this talented squad, we are certain his know-how and qualities are exactly what we require now."
The returning manager guided Watford to the FA Cup showpiece for the second time in their history in 2019, but was sacked a few matches into the next season and most recently coached at Leeds United in last year.
"For me, the feeling I have in this moment 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 loose ends at Watford. For us, it's another important step in our journey.
"This is something special for us, and simultaneously we are very ambitious for this season. If we are united, we are stronger."
The decision to remove Pezzolano comes despite the team's win against Oxford United at their home ground on the weekend, which lifted them to eleventh place in the Championship after a difficult opening that yielded five points from the initial six matches.
The Uruguayan is reportedly left disappointed by the decision to sack him, having led Watford to a three-match unbeaten run that featured a home win over Hull City and a draw at Fratton Park, leaving them within touching distance off the playoff places.
The coach joined shortly after the end of last season with a strong record of guiding teams to promotion in La Liga, South America and his home country.
