Watford Sack Their Manager After 10 Games and Reappoint Former Boss as Head Coach
Watford Football Club have taken the decision to terminate Paulo Pezzolano's contract after just five months and 10 games in control, announcing the reappointment of ex-manager the Spanish coach as his replacement.
It is understood that Pezzolano, appointed in the spring to replace the interim manager, along with his backroom team, were instructed not to lead practice on Wednesday as rumors about his exit mounted on the previous day.
The 40-year-old was called to a discussion where he became the 11th head coach the club have let go since the beginning of the year 2020.
"The club is very pleased to welcome back Gracia," said the club's chief executive. "His passion, guidance and clear strategy will help us build consistency, togetherness and positive energy.
"We are sure many fans who hoped Gracia had never departed in the past. With this talented squad, we are certain his experience and qualities are precisely what we need now."
The returning manager guided Watford 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.
"For me, the feeling I have in this moment is that I'm going back home. It was the most enjoyable period of my professional life," he stated. "I have fond memories and we have loose ends here. For us, it's another significant move in our journey.
"This is a unique opportunity for us, and simultaneously we are very ambitious for this campaign. If we are together, we are more powerful."
The decision to remove Pezzolano arrives even after their win against Oxford United at Vicarage Road on Saturday, which lifted them to 11th in the second tier after a difficult opening that yielded five points from the initial six matches.
Pezzolano is reportedly departed dismayed by the decision to let him go, having led Watford to a three-match unbeaten run that featured a home win over Hull and a draw at Portsmouth, placing them within touching distance off the playoff places.
Pezzolano joined soon after the conclusion of last season with a strong record of guiding teams to advancement in La Liga, Brazil and his home country.
