Watford Part Ways With Paulo Pezzolano Following 10 Games and Reappoint Former Boss as Head Coach
The Championship side have taken the decision to terminate Paulo Pezzolano's contract after only a brief period and 10 matches in control, confirming the reappointment of former boss the Spanish coach as his successor.
Reports suggest 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 take training on Wednesday as speculation about his exit grew on the previous day.
Pezzolano was summoned for a discussion where he was named the 11th head coach Watford have moved on since the beginning of the year 2020.
"The club is very pleased to reappoint Javi," stated the club's chief executive. "His enthusiasm, leadership and clear strategy will help us build stability, togetherness and momentum.
"We believe there are many supporters who hoped Javi had never departed in the past. With this talented squad, we are convinced his know-how and qualities are precisely what we need at this moment."
Gracia previously led the team to the FA Cup final for the only other occasion in the club's history in 2019, but was sacked a few matches into the following campaign and last managed at Leeds 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 loose ends at Watford. For us, it's another significant move in our journey.
"It is a unique opportunity for us, and at the same time we are very ambitious for this campaign. If we are together, we are more powerful."
Pezzolano's sacking comes despite their win against Oxford at Vicarage Road on the weekend, which moved them to eleventh place in the Championship after a difficult opening that earned five points from the initial six matches.
The Uruguayan is said to have left dismayed by the call to sack him, having guided the side to a undefeated streak of three games that also included a home win over Hull and a draw at Portsmouth, placing them within touching distance off the playoff places.
Pezzolano arrived soon after the conclusion of the previous campaign with a strong record of leading teams to promotion in Spain, South America and Uruguay.
