The Hornets Part Ways With Their Manager After 10 Games and Reappoint Javi Gracia as Head Coach
The Championship side have taken the move to end Paulo Pezzolano's contract after only five months and 10 matches in charge, confirming the return of ex-manager Javi Gracia as his replacement.
It is understood that the Uruguayan coach, who was hired in May to replace the interim manager, along with his backroom team, were told not to lead training on midweek as rumors about his exit mounted on Tuesday.
The 40-year-old was summoned for a meeting where he was named the 11th head coach the club have moved on since the start of the year 2020.
"The club is very pleased to welcome back Gracia," said Watford's chairman and CEO. "His enthusiasm, guidance and well-defined plan will help us build stability, unity and positive energy.
"We are sure many fans who wished Javi had never departed in 2019. With this young and exciting squad, we are certain his know-how and attributes are precisely what we need now."
Gracia previously led Watford to the FA Cup final for the only other occasion in their history in that year, but was dismissed a few matches into the next season and last managed at Leeds in last year.
"For me, the feeling I have right now is that I'm returning to a familiar place. It was the happiest period of my professional life," Gracia remarked. "I have very good recollections and we have unfinished business at Watford. For us, it's a further important step in our career.
"It is a unique opportunity for us, and at the same time we are highly motivated for this season. If we are together, we are stronger."
Pezzolano's sacking arrives even after the team's win against Oxford United at Vicarage Road on Saturday, which moved them to eleventh place in the Championship after a slow start that earned five points from the first six games.
Pezzolano is said to have left disappointed by the call to sack him, having led the side to a undefeated streak of three games that featured a home win over Hull and a draw at Portsmouth, leaving them three points off the promotion playoffs.
The coach joined shortly after the end of the previous campaign with a strong record of leading clubs to advancement in La Liga, Brazil and his home country.
