Watford Dismiss Paulo Pezzolano Following 10 Games and Bring Back Former Boss as Manager
Watford Football Club have made the move to terminate Paulo Pezzolano's tenure after just a brief period and 10 matches in control, confirming the return of ex-manager Javi Gracia as his replacement.
It is understood that Pezzolano, who was hired in May to replace the interim manager, along with his backroom team, were told not to lead training on Wednesday as rumors about his imminent departure grew on Tuesday.
The 40-year-old was called to a meeting where he became the 11th head coach Watford have let go since the beginning of the year 2020.
"We are very pleased to reappoint Javi," said the club's chief executive. "His enthusiasm, guidance and clear strategy will help us build consistency, togetherness and positive energy.
"We are sure there are many supporters who wished Javi had never departed in 2019. With this talented team, we are certain his know-how and attributes are exactly what we require at this moment."
The returning manager guided Watford to the FA Cup showpiece for the only other occasion in their history in 2019, but was sacked a few matches into the next season and most recently coached at Leeds United in last year.
"Personally, the emotion I have in this moment is that I'm returning to a familiar place. It was the most enjoyable time of my career," Gracia remarked. "There are fond memories and we have unfinished business at Watford. For us, it's a further significant move in our career.
"It is something special for us, and at the same time we are very ambitious for this campaign. If we are together, we are more powerful."
The decision to remove Pezzolano arrives despite the team's victory against Oxford United at their home ground on the weekend, which lifted them to 11th in the second tier after a slow start that earned five points from the initial six matches.
The Uruguayan is reportedly left disappointed by the decision to let him go, having led the side to a undefeated streak of three games that featured a victory at home over Hull and a tie at Portsmouth, placing them three points off the promotion playoffs.
The coach arrived soon after the conclusion of the previous campaign with a proven track record of leading teams to advancement in La Liga, Brazil and Uruguay.