Watford Sack 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 contract after just a brief period and 10 games in charge, announcing the return of former boss the Spanish coach as his replacement.
Reports suggest that Pezzolano, appointed in May to take over from the interim manager, along with his backroom team, were instructed not to take training on midweek as speculation about his exit grew on Tuesday.
The 40-year-old was called to a meeting where he became the 11th manager the club have let go since the beginning of the year 2020.
"We are very pleased to welcome back Javi," stated Watford's chairman and CEO. "His enthusiasm, leadership and well-defined plan will foster stability, unity and momentum.
"We are sure many fans who hoped Gracia had stayed on in 2019. With this talented squad, we are convinced his know-how and attributes are precisely what we need at this moment."
Gracia previously led the team to the FA Cup showpiece for the only other occasion in the club's history in that year, but was dismissed a few matches into the following campaign and last managed at Leeds United in last year.
"For me, the feeling I have in this moment is that I'm going back home. It was the most enjoyable time of my career," he remarked. "I have very good memories and we have loose ends here. For us, it's a further important step in our career.
"This is something special for us, and simultaneously we are very ambitious for this season. If we are united, we are stronger."
The decision to remove Pezzolano arrives despite the team's victory against Oxford United at Vicarage Road on Saturday, which lifted 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 left dismayed by the call to sack him, having led Watford to a three-match unbeaten run that featured a victory at home over Hull City and a tie at Fratton Park, placing them three points off the promotion playoffs.
The coach joined shortly after the conclusion of last season with a strong record of leading clubs to promotion in Spain, Brazil and his home country.
