The Hornets Part Ways With Their Manager Following 10 Games and Bring Back Javi Gracia as Head Coach
The Championship side have made the move to end Paulo Pezzolano's contract after only a brief period and 10 games in charge, confirming the return of ex-manager Javi Gracia as his successor.
Reports suggest that the Uruguayan coach, who was hired in the spring to replace Tom Cleverley, along with his technical staff, were instructed not to lead practice on midweek as speculation about his imminent departure mounted on Tuesday.
The 40-year-old was called to a discussion where he was named the 11th head coach Watford have moved on since the beginning of the year 2020.
"The club is very pleased to reappoint Javi," stated the club's chief executive. "His passion, leadership and well-defined plan will help us build consistency, unity and positive energy.
"We are sure many fans who wished Javi had never departed in 2019. With this talented squad, we are convinced his experience and qualities are exactly what we need at this moment."
The returning manager previously led Watford to the FA Cup showpiece for the second time in the club's history in that year, but was sacked a few matches into the following campaign and last managed at Leeds in 2023.
"For me, the emotion I have right now is that I'm going back to a familiar place. It was the most enjoyable period of my career," he remarked. "There are fond memories and we have loose ends here. For us, it's another important step in our career.
"It 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 their win against Oxford 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 first six games.
The Uruguayan is said to have departed dismayed by the call to sack him, having guided Watford to a undefeated streak of three games that also included a home win over Hull City and a draw at Fratton Park, placing them within touching distance off the promotion playoffs.
Pezzolano arrived shortly after the conclusion of last season with a proven track record of leading teams to advancement in Spain, South America and Uruguay.
