Watford Sack Paulo Pezzolano After 10 Games and Bring Back Javi Gracia as Manager
Watford Football Club have made the move to terminate Paulo Pezzolano's contract after just five months and 10 matches in control, confirming the return of former boss Javi Gracia as his replacement.
Reports suggest that Pezzolano, who was hired in May to replace Tom Cleverley, along with his backroom team, were told not to lead training on Wednesday as speculation about his imminent departure grew on the previous day.
The 40-year-old was summoned for a meeting where he became the 11th manager Watford have let go since the start of 2020.
"We are very pleased to welcome back Gracia," stated Watford's chairman and CEO. "His passion, leadership and well-defined plan will foster consistency, unity and positive energy.
"We are sure many fans who hoped Gracia had never departed in the past. With this talented squad, we are certain his know-how and attributes are exactly what we require at this moment."
Gracia guided the team to the FA Cup showpiece for the second time in their history in 2019, but was dismissed several games into the next season and last managed at Leeds in 2023.
"Personally, the emotion I have in this moment is that I'm returning home. It was the most enjoyable time of my career," Gracia stated. "There are very good memories and we have loose ends here. For us, it's a further important step in our journey.
"It is a unique opportunity for us, and simultaneously we are very ambitious for this campaign. If we are together, we are more powerful."
The decision to remove Pezzolano arrives despite the team's win against Oxford at their home ground on Saturday, which lifted them to eleventh place in the Championship after a slow start that earned a handful of points from the initial six matches.
Pezzolano is said to have left dismayed by the call to sack him, having led the side to a three-match unbeaten run that also included a victory at home over Hull City and a tie at Fratton Park, placing them within touching distance off the promotion playoffs.
Pezzolano arrived soon after the conclusion of last season with a strong record of leading teams to promotion in La Liga, South America and Uruguay.
