Watford Dismiss Paulo Pezzolano Following 10 Games and Reappoint Former Boss as Head Coach
Watford Football Club have made the decision to end Paulo Pezzolano's tenure after just five months 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 May to replace Tom Cleverley, along with his backroom team, were told not to take practice on Wednesday as speculation about his imminent departure grew on Tuesday.
Pezzolano was summoned for a discussion where he was named the 11th head coach the club have moved on since the start of 2020.
"We are delighted to reappoint Gracia," said Watford's chairman and CEO. "His passion, guidance and clear strategy will help us build stability, togetherness and momentum.
"We are sure many fans who wished Gracia had stayed on in the past. With this talented squad, we are certain his experience and qualities are precisely what we need now."
The returning manager previously led the team to the FA Cup final for the only other occasion in their history in that year, but was dismissed a few matches into the next season and last managed at Leeds in 2023.
"Personally, the emotion I have in this moment is that I'm returning to a familiar place. It was the most enjoyable time of my career," Gracia stated. "I have fond memories and we have unfinished business here. For us, it's a further important step in our journey.
"This is a unique opportunity for us, and simultaneously we are very ambitious for this season. If we are united, we are stronger."
The decision to remove Pezzolano comes even after their win against Oxford at Vicarage Road on the weekend, which lifted them to eleventh place in the second tier after a slow start that earned a handful of points from the first six games.
The Uruguayan is reportedly left dismayed by the decision to let him go, having guided the side to a undefeated streak of three games that also included a home win over Hull and a draw at Fratton Park, placing them three points off the promotion playoffs.
The coach arrived shortly after the conclusion of the previous campaign with a proven track record of leading clubs to promotion in Spain, Brazil and Uruguay.
