The Hornets Part Ways With Their Manager Following a 10-Match Stint and Bring Back Former Boss as Manager
Watford Football Club have made the decision to terminate their manager's tenure after only five months and 10 matches in control, announcing the return of ex-manager Javi Gracia as his successor.
It is understood 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 lead practice on midweek as speculation about his imminent departure mounted on Tuesday.
Pezzolano was summoned for a meeting where he became the 11th head coach the club have let go since the beginning of the year 2020.
"We are very pleased to reappoint Gracia," stated the club's chief executive. "His enthusiasm, leadership and clear strategy will foster stability, togetherness and momentum.
"We are sure there are many supporters who wished Gracia had never departed in the past. With this young and exciting squad, we are certain his experience and attributes are exactly what we require 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 several games into the following campaign and most recently coached at Leeds United in 2023.
"For me, the emotion I have right now is that I'm going back to a familiar place. It was the most enjoyable period of my career," he remarked. "There are fond memories and we have unfinished business at Watford. For us, it's a further significant move in our career.
"It is something special for us, and at the same time we are highly motivated for this season. If we are together, we are stronger."
Pezzolano's sacking arrives even after their victory against Oxford at Vicarage Road on Saturday, which moved them to 11th in the Championship after a difficult opening that yielded five points from the initial six matches.
Pezzolano is reportedly left disappointed by the call to let him go, having guided the side to a three-match unbeaten run that also included a victory at home over Hull and a draw at Portsmouth, placing them within touching distance off the promotion playoffs.
The coach arrived soon after the conclusion of the previous campaign with a strong record of guiding clubs to promotion in Spain, Brazil and Uruguay.
