The Hornets Dismiss Paulo Pezzolano After 10 Games and Reappoint Javi Gracia as Manager
The Championship side have taken the decision to end their manager's contract after only a brief period and 10 games in control, announcing the reappointment of former boss Javi Gracia as his replacement.
Reports suggest that Pezzolano, who was hired in May to take over from Tom Cleverley, along with his backroom team, were instructed not to lead training 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 manager Watford have moved on since the start of 2020.
"We are very pleased to reappoint Javi," said the club's chief executive. "His enthusiasm, leadership and clear strategy will help us build stability, unity and momentum.
"We are sure there are many supporters who hoped Gracia had never departed in the past. With this talented team, we are certain his know-how and qualities are precisely what we need now."
Gracia previously led the team to the FA Cup final for the second time in the club's history in 2019, but was sacked a few matches into the next season and last managed at Leeds United in 2023.
"For me, the emotion I have in this moment is that I'm going back to a familiar place. It was the happiest period of my career," Gracia remarked. "I have very good recollections and we have unfinished business at Watford. For us, it's another important step in our career.
"This is something special for us, and at the same time we are highly motivated for this season. If we are united, we are stronger."
The decision to remove Pezzolano comes despite their victory against Oxford United at Vicarage Road on Saturday, which lifted them to eleventh place in the second tier after a slow start that earned a handful of points from the first six games.
The Uruguayan is reportedly left disappointed by the call to let him go, having led Watford to a three-match unbeaten run that featured a victory at home over Hull and a draw at Portsmouth, leaving them within touching distance off the promotion playoffs.
The coach arrived soon after the conclusion of last season with a strong record of guiding teams to advancement in La Liga, Brazil and his home country.
