Watford Sack Paulo Pezzolano Following a 10-Match Stint and Bring Back Former Boss as Manager
Watford Football Club have made the move to terminate their manager's tenure after just five months and 10 matches in charge, confirming the return of former boss the Spanish coach as his replacement.
Reports suggest that the Uruguayan coach, appointed in the spring to replace the interim manager, along with his technical staff, were told not to take practice on midweek as speculation about his exit grew on Tuesday.
Pezzolano was called to a discussion where he was named the 11th head coach Watford have let go since the beginning of 2020.
"The club is delighted to reappoint Javi," stated Watford's chairman and CEO. "His enthusiasm, leadership and clear strategy will foster stability, unity and positive energy.
"We believe there are many supporters who wished Javi had stayed on in 2019. With this young and exciting squad, we are convinced his know-how and attributes are exactly what we need at this moment."
Gracia guided Watford to the FA Cup showpiece for the only other occasion in the club's history in 2019, but was sacked several games into the following campaign and last managed at Leeds United in last year.
"Personally, the feeling I have in this moment is that I'm going back home. It was the happiest period of my professional life," he stated. "There are very good recollections and we have loose ends here. For us, it's another important step in our journey.
"It is something special for us, and at the same time we are highly motivated for this season. If we are together, we are more powerful."
Pezzolano's sacking arrives even after their victory against Oxford United at their home ground on the weekend, which moved them to 11th in the Championship after a slow start that earned five points from the first six games.
The Uruguayan is reportedly left dismayed by the decision to sack him, having guided Watford to a undefeated streak of three games that also included a victory at home over Hull and a tie at Fratton Park, leaving them three points off the promotion playoffs.
The coach joined soon after the end of last season with a proven track record of leading teams to advancement in La Liga, Brazil and his home country.
