Watford Dismiss Paulo Pezzolano After 10 Games and Bring Back Javi Gracia as Head Coach
The Championship side have taken the decision to terminate Paulo Pezzolano's contract after only five months and 10 games in control, confirming the reappointment of ex-manager the Spanish coach as his successor.
It is understood that the Uruguayan coach, appointed in May to take over from the interim manager, along with his technical staff, were told not to lead training on Wednesday as speculation about his exit grew on the previous day.
Pezzolano was called to a meeting where he was named the 11th head coach Watford have let go since the start of 2020.
"The club is delighted to welcome back Gracia," stated the club's chief executive. "His enthusiasm, leadership and well-defined plan will foster consistency, unity and positive energy.
"We believe many fans who wished Javi had stayed on in 2019. With this talented team, we are convinced his experience and attributes 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 United in 2023.
"Personally, the emotion I have in this moment is that I'm returning to a familiar place. It was the happiest period of my professional life," he remarked. "There are fond recollections and we have loose ends at Watford. For us, it's another significant move in our journey.
"It is a unique opportunity for us, and at the same time we are highly motivated for this campaign. If we are united, we are more powerful."
The decision to remove Pezzolano arrives despite the team's win 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.
The Uruguayan is reportedly left dismayed by the decision to let him go, having guided the side to a three-match unbeaten run that featured a victory at home over Hull and a draw at Fratton Park, placing them three points off the promotion playoffs.
Pezzolano joined shortly after the conclusion of last season with a strong record of guiding teams to advancement in La Liga, South America and his home country.