The Hornets Part Ways With Paulo Pezzolano After a 10-Match Stint and Bring Back Javi Gracia as Manager
Watford Football Club have made the decision to terminate Paulo Pezzolano's tenure after only a brief period and 10 games in charge, announcing the reappointment of former boss Javi Gracia as his replacement.
It is understood that the Uruguayan coach, who was hired in May to take over from Tom Cleverley, along with his backroom team, were told not to take practice on Wednesday as speculation about his exit mounted on the previous day.
The 40-year-old was summoned for a discussion where he became the 11th manager the club have let go since the start of 2020.
"The club is delighted to welcome back Javi," said Watford's chairman and CEO. "His passion, guidance and clear strategy will foster stability, unity and positive energy.
"We believe many fans who wished Javi had stayed on in the past. With this talented squad, we are convinced his know-how and attributes are precisely what we need at this moment."
Gracia guided Watford to the FA Cup final for the second time in their history in 2019, but was dismissed a few matches into the next season and most recently coached at Leeds United in 2023.
"Personally, the emotion I have in this moment is that I'm returning home. It was the happiest period of my professional life," Gracia remarked. "I have very good memories and we have loose ends here. For us, it's a further important step in our journey.
"This is something special for us, and simultaneously we are highly motivated for this campaign. If we are united, we are more powerful."
Pezzolano's sacking arrives even after their win against Oxford at their home ground on the weekend, which moved them to eleventh place in the second tier after a difficult opening that earned five points from the initial six matches.
The Uruguayan is said to have left dismayed by the decision to sack him, having led the side to a three-match unbeaten run that featured a home win over Hull City and a tie at Portsmouth, placing them within touching distance off the promotion playoffs.
Pezzolano arrived shortly after the conclusion of the previous campaign with a strong record of leading teams to promotion in La Liga, South America and Uruguay.
