Watford Dismiss Paulo Pezzolano Following a 10-Match Stint and Reappoint Former Boss as Manager
The Championship side have made the move to terminate their manager's tenure after only five months and 10 games in charge, confirming the return of ex-manager Javi Gracia as his replacement.
It is understood that the Uruguayan coach, who was hired in the spring to take over from the interim manager, along with his technical staff, were told not to lead practice on Wednesday as speculation about his imminent departure grew on Tuesday.
The 40-year-old was called to a meeting where he became the 11th head coach the club have moved on since the start of 2020.
"The club is very pleased to welcome back Gracia," stated the club's chief executive. "His enthusiasm, guidance and well-defined plan will help us build consistency, unity and positive energy.
"We are sure many fans who wished Javi had stayed on in 2019. With this talented team, we are convinced his experience and qualities are exactly what we need now."
The returning manager guided Watford to the FA Cup showpiece for the only other occasion in their history in that year, but was dismissed several games into the next season and most recently coached at Leeds United in 2023.
"Personally, the feeling I have in this moment is that I'm going back to a familiar place. It was the most enjoyable time of my professional life," Gracia remarked. "There are very good recollections and we have unfinished business at Watford. For us, it's another significant move in our journey.
"It 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."
Pezzolano's sacking comes despite their victory against Oxford at their home ground on the weekend, which moved them to eleventh place in the Championship after a slow start that earned five points from the initial six matches.
The Uruguayan is said to have departed dismayed by the decision to sack him, having led the side to a three-match unbeaten run that featured a victory at home over Hull and a draw at Portsmouth, placing them within touching distance off the promotion playoffs.
The coach arrived soon after the end of last season with a strong record of guiding clubs to advancement in La Liga, Brazil and Uruguay.
