Watford Dismiss Paulo Pezzolano After 10 Games and Reappoint Former Boss as Head Coach
Watford Football Club have taken the decision to end their manager's contract after only a brief period and 10 matches in control, announcing the reappointment of former boss the Spanish coach as his successor.
It is understood that Pezzolano, appointed in the spring to take over from the interim manager, along with his backroom team, were told not to lead practice on Wednesday as rumors about his exit grew on Tuesday.
The 40-year-old was called to a meeting where he became the 11th manager Watford have moved on since the start of 2020.
"We are very pleased to welcome back Gracia," stated Watford's chairman and CEO. "His enthusiasm, guidance and clear strategy will foster consistency, unity and momentum.
"We are sure many fans who hoped Gracia had never departed in the past. With this talented squad, we are certain his know-how and qualities are precisely what we need at this moment."
The returning manager previously led the team to the FA Cup final for the only other occasion in their history in 2019, but was sacked a few matches into the next season and last managed at Leeds United in 2023.
"Personally, the emotion I have in this moment is that I'm returning home. It was the happiest time of my career," he remarked. "There are very good recollections and we have loose ends here. For us, it's another important step in our career.
"It is something special for us, and simultaneously we are highly motivated for this season. If we are together, we are more powerful."
Pezzolano's sacking arrives despite the team's win against Oxford at their home ground on Saturday, which lifted them to eleventh place in the Championship after a difficult opening that yielded five points from the first six games.
The Uruguayan is said to have left disappointed by the call to let him go, having led the side to a three-match unbeaten run that featured a victory at home over Hull City and a tie at Portsmouth, placing them within touching distance off the promotion playoffs.
Pezzolano arrived soon after the end of the previous campaign with a strong record of guiding teams to advancement in La Liga, Brazil and Uruguay.
