Watford Dismiss Their Manager After 10 Games and Reappoint Javi Gracia as Head Coach
Watford Football Club have made the decision to end their manager's contract after just a brief period and 10 matches in control, announcing the return of ex-manager the Spanish coach as his successor.
It is understood that the Uruguayan coach, appointed in the spring to take over from Tom Cleverley, along with his technical staff, were told not to lead training on Wednesday as speculation about his exit mounted on Tuesday.
The 40-year-old was summoned for a meeting where he became the 11th head coach Watford have moved on since the start of the year 2020.
"We are delighted to welcome back Javi," stated the club's chief executive. "His enthusiasm, leadership and well-defined plan will help us build stability, unity and positive energy.
"We believe many fans who hoped Gracia had never departed in the past. With this talented team, we are certain his experience and qualities are exactly what we need at this moment."
Gracia guided Watford to the FA Cup showpiece for the second time in their history in that year, but was dismissed several games into the following campaign and last managed at Leeds in 2023.
"For me, the feeling I have in this moment is that I'm returning home. It was the most enjoyable period of my professional life," Gracia remarked. "I have fond recollections and we have loose ends at Watford. For us, it's a further important step in our journey.
"It is a unique opportunity for us, and at the same time we are very ambitious for this season. If we are together, we are more powerful."
The decision to remove Pezzolano comes despite the team's victory against Oxford United at Vicarage Road on the weekend, which moved them to 11th in the second tier after a slow start that earned five points from the first six games.
Pezzolano is said to have left disappointed by the decision to let him go, having led Watford to a three-match unbeaten run that featured a victory at home over Hull and a draw at Portsmouth, placing them three points off the playoff places.
Pezzolano joined soon after the conclusion of last season with a strong record of guiding clubs to advancement in La Liga, Brazil and his home country.
