Watford Dismiss Paulo Pezzolano Following 10 Games and Bring Back Javi Gracia as Head Coach
The Championship side have taken the move to terminate Paulo Pezzolano's contract after only five months and 10 games in charge, announcing the reappointment of former boss the Spanish coach as his replacement.
It is understood that the Uruguayan coach, appointed in the spring to replace Tom Cleverley, along with his backroom team, were told not to take training on Wednesday as rumors about his imminent departure mounted on the previous day.
The 40-year-old was called to a discussion where he became the 11th manager the club have let go since the beginning of 2020.
"The club is delighted to welcome back Javi," stated the club's chief executive. "His enthusiasm, leadership and well-defined plan will help us build stability, unity and positive energy.
"We are sure there are many supporters who wished Javi had never departed in the past. With this talented team, we are certain his know-how and qualities are exactly what we require at this moment."
The returning manager previously led the team to the FA Cup final for the second time in their history in that year, but was sacked several games into the next season and most recently coached at Leeds United in last year.
"For me, the feeling I have right now is that I'm going back to a familiar place. It was the most enjoyable period of my career," Gracia remarked. "There are very good memories and we have loose ends here. For us, it's another important step in our career.
"It is something special for us, and at the same time we are very ambitious for this season. If we are together, we are more powerful."
Pezzolano's sacking comes even after the team's victory against Oxford at their home ground on Saturday, which lifted them to eleventh place in the Championship after a slow start that yielded a handful of points from the initial six matches.
Pezzolano is reportedly left dismayed by the call to sack him, having guided Watford to a undefeated streak of three games that also included a victory at home over Hull City and a tie at Fratton Park, leaving them within touching distance off the promotion playoffs.
Pezzolano joined soon after the conclusion of last season with a proven track record of guiding teams to promotion in Spain, Brazil and his home country.
