Watford Sack Their Manager After a 10-Match Stint and Bring Back Former Boss as Head Coach
The Championship side have made the move to terminate Paulo Pezzolano's contract after only five months and 10 games in control, announcing the reappointment of ex-manager Javi Gracia as his replacement.
Reports suggest that Pezzolano, who was hired in May to take over from the interim manager, along with his backroom team, were told not to take training on Wednesday as speculation about his exit grew on Tuesday.
Pezzolano was called to a discussion where he was named the 11th head coach the club have let go since the start of 2020.
"The club is delighted to reappoint Javi," said the club's chief executive. "His enthusiasm, leadership and clear strategy will foster stability, unity and positive energy.
"We believe many fans who wished Javi had never departed in the past. With this talented squad, we are convinced his experience and qualities are exactly what we require at this moment."
The returning manager 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 several games into the following campaign and last managed at Leeds United in last year.
"Personally, the emotion I have in this moment is that I'm returning home. It was the happiest period of my professional life," he stated. "I have very good recollections and we have loose ends at Watford. For us, it's a further important step in our career.
"This is a unique opportunity for us, and simultaneously we are highly motivated for this season. If we are together, we are stronger."
The decision to remove Pezzolano arrives despite the team's victory against Oxford United at Vicarage Road on the weekend, which moved them to eleventh place in the second tier after a slow start that yielded a handful of points from the initial six matches.
The Uruguayan is reportedly left disappointed by the decision to sack him, having led the side to a three-match unbeaten run that featured a victory at home over Hull City and a tie at Fratton Park, leaving them three points off the promotion playoffs.
The coach arrived soon after the conclusion of last season with a strong record of leading teams to advancement in Spain, South America and his home country.
