Watford Sack Their Manager After 10 Games and Bring Back Former Boss as Manager
The Championship side have taken the move to terminate Paulo Pezzolano's contract after only a brief period and 10 games in control, announcing the reappointment of former boss the Spanish coach as his replacement.
It is understood that Pezzolano, who was hired in May to take over from Tom Cleverley, along with his backroom team, were told not to lead practice on Wednesday as rumors about his imminent departure mounted on Tuesday.
The 40-year-old was called to a meeting where he was named the 11th head coach the club have let go since the start of 2020.
"We are very pleased to reappoint Gracia," said Watford's chairman and CEO. "His passion, leadership and clear strategy will help us build stability, togetherness and positive energy.
"We believe there are many supporters who wished Javi had stayed on in 2019. With this young and exciting team, we are convinced his know-how and attributes are exactly what we need at this moment."
The returning manager guided the team to the FA Cup final for the second time in their history in that year, but was dismissed several games into the following campaign and last managed at Leeds United in 2023.
"For me, the feeling I have in this moment is that I'm going back to a familiar place. It was the happiest time of my professional life," he remarked. "I have fond memories and we have loose ends at Watford. For us, it's another significant move in our career.
"This is something special for us, and at the same time we are very ambitious for this campaign. If we are united, we are more powerful."
The decision to remove Pezzolano comes even after the team's victory against Oxford United at Vicarage Road on the weekend, which lifted them to 11th in the Championship after a slow start that earned a handful of points from the initial six matches.
The Uruguayan is reportedly departed dismayed by the decision to sack him, having led Watford to a three-match unbeaten run that also included a victory at home over Hull City and a draw at Fratton Park, placing them three points off the promotion playoffs.
The coach joined soon after the conclusion of the previous campaign with a proven track record of leading clubs to advancement in Spain, Brazil and Uruguay.
