The Hornets Part Ways With Their Manager Following a 10-Match Stint and Bring Back Former Boss as Manager
The Championship side have taken the decision to terminate Paulo Pezzolano's contract after just a brief period and 10 matches in control, confirming the reappointment of ex-manager Javi Gracia as his replacement.
It is understood that Pezzolano, appointed in May to replace Tom Cleverley, along with his technical staff, were instructed not to lead practice on Wednesday as speculation about his imminent departure mounted on the previous day.
Pezzolano was called to a meeting where he became the 11th manager the club have let go since the start of 2020.
"We are delighted to welcome back Javi," stated Watford's chairman and CEO. "His passion, guidance and well-defined plan will foster consistency, unity and positive energy.
"We are sure there are many supporters who wished Javi had never departed in 2019. With this talented squad, we are convinced his experience and qualities are precisely what we need now."
Gracia guided Watford to the FA Cup showpiece for the second time in their history in that year, but was sacked a few matches into the following campaign and last managed at Leeds United in 2023.
"Personally, the feeling I have right now is that I'm returning to a familiar place. It was the happiest period of my professional life," Gracia stated. "There are fond memories and we have loose ends here. For us, it's another important step in our journey.
"It is something special for us, and simultaneously we are highly motivated for this campaign. If we are united, we are stronger."
The decision to remove Pezzolano arrives despite their win against Oxford United at Vicarage Road on Saturday, which lifted them to 11th in the Championship after a slow start that earned a handful of points from the initial six matches.
Pezzolano is reportedly departed dismayed by the call to sack him, having led the side to a three-match unbeaten run that featured a victory at home over Hull and a draw at Portsmouth, leaving them within touching distance off the playoff places.
The coach arrived soon after the conclusion of the previous campaign with a strong record of guiding teams to promotion in La Liga, Brazil and his home country.
